Applications Patents (Class 136/291)
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Patent number: 9907174Abstract: Described herein are multi-functional composite materials containing energy storage assemblies that can be significantly resistant to tension/compression stress. The energy storage assemblies can contain at least one energy storage layer that contains an insulating layer having a plurality of openings arranged in a spaced apart manner, and a plurality of energy storage devices, each energy storage device being contained within one of the openings. The energy storage devices can be electrically connected to one another. The energy storage layer can contain a support material upon which electrical connections are formed. One or more energy storage layers can be disposed between two or more stress carrying layers to form an energy storage assembly that can have significant resistance to tension/compression stress. Energy storage devices suitable for use in the energy storage assemblies can include, for example, batteries, capacitors and/or supercapacitors.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2014Date of Patent: February 27, 2018Assignee: Applied Nanostructured Solutions, LLCInventor: Corey Adam Fleischer
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Patent number: 9870699Abstract: A security sensor system is provided which allows the stopping of the device due to the end of a battery life to be postponed by suppressing battery power consumption, which is caused due to an object detection operation of the security sensor system, after a low battery state is detected. The security sensor system is powered by a battery. When a low battery detector detects a reduction in the voltage of the battery, an object detection operation of the security sensor system is switched from a normal mode to a suppression mode. Consumption of the battery in the suppression mode is suppressed.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2014Date of Patent: January 16, 2018Assignee: OPTEX CO., LTD.Inventors: Takao Ujike, Katsutoshi Tatsuoka, Hiroshi Makino, Mitsugu Mihara, Shinya Nishimura
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Patent number: 9843286Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for a dynamic solar tile network. In one aspect, a method includes designating a first solar tile in a set of solar tiles as a control tile. Selecting a subset of solar tiles in the set of solar tiles as controlled tiles that are each controlled by the control tile to form a solar tile network that includes the control tile and the controlled tiles. Receiving, at the control tile, status information from each of the controlled tiles. Determining, by the control tile, an operational state for each of the controlled tiles based on the status information. Transmitting, by the control tile, operation instructions to the controlled tiles that cause each controlled tile to switch to the operational state determined by the control tile.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2015Date of Patent: December 12, 2017Assignee: Google Inc.Inventors: Max Andrew Sills, Daniel J. Berlin
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Patent number: 9800085Abstract: Disclosed are solar charging control apparatuses and methods for the same. An apparatus for controlling solar power charging includes a main controller controlling charge/discharge of a battery storing power generated in a solar cell in order to protect overcharge and overdischarge of the battery; and a secondary controller maintaining a sleep mode when a terminal voltage of the battery is not less than a threshold voltage and reviving the main controller by using power generated in the solar cell when the terminal voltage of the battery is less than the threshold voltage. Therefore, even when the main controller of the solar charging control apparatus is downed, the solar charging control apparatus can be ordinarily operated by using power generated by solar cells. Also, costs demanded for managing a solar charging system which is installed in a remote place can be saved.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2015Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: MIJI ENERTECH CO., LTDInventors: Berm Soo Kim, Hye Rin Hwang, Jin Sung Jeon, Jung Ki Kim
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Patent number: 9784249Abstract: Actuators (artificial muscles) comprising twist-spun nanofiber yarn or twist-inserted polymer fibers generate torsional and/or tensile actuation when powered electrically, photonically, chemically, thermally, by absorption, or by other means. These artificial muscles utilize non-coiled or coiled yarns and can be either neat or comprising a guest. Devices comprising these artificial muscles are also described.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2015Date of Patent: October 10, 2017Assignee: The Board of Regents, The University of Texas SystemInventors: Na Li, Carter S. Haines, Marcio D. Lima, Monica Jung De Andrade, Shaoli Fang, Jiyoung Oh, Mikhail E. Kozlov, Dongseok Suh, Ray H. Baughman
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Patent number: 9738330Abstract: An air-guiding device which is arranged in a top rear region of a vehicle and includes an air-guiding element which is shiftable from a retracted inoperative position to an extended operating position, wherein, in both positions, the air-guiding element serves for guiding air in the rear region of the motor vehicle. At least one propeller of the air-guiding device which, together with the air-guiding element, is shiftable between the retracted and extended positions, wherein the propeller, in the extended operating position, is fixable in a first operating state, wherein the at least one propeller, in the extended operating position, is operable in a second operating state in order to produce a throughflow in the direction of travel, and wherein the at least one propeller, in the extended operating position, is operable in a third operating state in order to produce a throughflow opposed to the direction of travel.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2016Date of Patent: August 22, 2017Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventor: Thomas Wolf
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Patent number: 9664420Abstract: A secondary coolant refrigeration system powered primarily by a photovoltaic source and by an alternating current (AC) source as a backup is disclosed. The secondary coolant refrigeration system has a pump for pumping secondary coolant fluid through a secondary coolant fluid loop. The system includes a variable frequency drive for controlling the speed of the pump. The variable frequency drive includes drive circuitry configured to provide variable frequency power to the pump via an output interface. The variable frequency drive also includes a first interface configured to receive power from the photovoltaic source and a second interface configured to receive power from the AC source. The circuit is further configured to cause the variable speed drive to be powered by the photovoltaic source when the power received from the first interface is adequate and by the AC source when the power received from the first interface is not adequate.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2013Date of Patent: May 30, 2017Assignee: Hill Phoenix, Inc.Inventors: John D. Bittner, John E. Bittner
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Patent number: 9637827Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to methods of protecting a surface (e.g., a metal surface) from corrosion by conformably attaching a hybrid device comprising at least one multilayer energy storage device and at least one energy conversion device.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2014Date of Patent: May 2, 2017Assignee: WILLIAM MARSH RICE UNIVERSITYInventors: Charudatta Galande, Neelam Singh, Suman Khatiwada, Pulickel M. Ajayan
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Patent number: 9614399Abstract: A solar ECU included in a charging controller is configured to temporarily store electric power generated by an in-vehicle solar cell of an electric power supply unit in a low-voltage battery when a vehicle is traveling. Further, when the vehicle is traveling, a battery ECU included in the charging controller is configured to maintain a charging relay in an open state (disconnected state) so that the electric power temporarily stored in the low-voltage battery is not supplied to a main battery. On the other hand, when the vehicle is traveling, the solar ECU supplies the electric power temporarily stored in the low-voltage battery to a sub-battery.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2012Date of Patent: April 4, 2017Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Seigen Maeno
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Patent number: 9614398Abstract: A public telephone powered by a solar panel system and configured to transmit and receive calls over a cellular network is provided. A solar panel systems and wireless unit are retrofitted to conventional public telephones to convert them to wireless operation and to enable operations independent of the electrical grid and from the local telephone exchange.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2013Date of Patent: April 4, 2017Assignee: RENEWABLE EDGE, LLCInventors: Richard C. Contrata, Jr., Richard C. Contrata, III, David J. Schaffer
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Patent number: 9590557Abstract: A masonry unit including a photovoltaic cell for generation of electricity is described herein. More particularly a photovoltaic-clad concrete block that combines the structural attributes of concrete block (or other masonry unit) and the energy production of solar photovoltaics is described herein. Methods for manufacturing, installing, and electrically connecting such photovoltaic-clad concrete blocks are also described herein.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2015Date of Patent: March 7, 2017Assignee: SolaBlock LLCInventors: Patrick John Adrian Quinlan, Jonathan Richard Lewis, Jason Michael Laverty
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Patent number: 9578696Abstract: A lighting apparatus includes a housing, a plurality of lighting elements coupled to the housing, wherein a first subset of the plurality of lighting elements is powered by a solar power source and a second subset of the plurality of lighting elements is powered by a low-voltage electrical power source, and a switch for selectively switching between operation of the first subset and the second subset.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2014Date of Patent: February 21, 2017Assignee: Vinylast, Inc.Inventors: Steven J. Leary, Benjamin Yin, Zhang Qi
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Patent number: 9570639Abstract: The present invention refers to a system including light processing elements, arranged in a respective installation area and combined with a respective construction, at least partially above and/or next to an occupational or passage space, whereby said light processing elements or respective constructions produce a general light distribution over said occupational or passage space, that is more favorable in terms of visual performance and comfort, and that may assist and adjust to activities requiring different levels thereof. The inventive system is used for energy and/or information conversion and distribution, as part of one construction or clusters of constructions, for example disposed along traffic ways.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2012Date of Patent: February 14, 2017Inventor: Paulo Alexandre Teixeira E. Silva Cardoso
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Patent number: 9553470Abstract: The invention relates to a method of operating a lead acid battery which undergoes discharging phases and charging phases in a cyclical fashion. The method involves monitoring the current discharged from the battery during a discharging phase and recording information relating to that current flow, such as the charge lost from the battery. During the subsequent charging phase, a desired amount of charge to be supplied to the battery is calculated based upon the recorded information, and then supplied to the battery.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2010Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: EH EUROPE GMBHInventors: Rhodri Evans, Wayne Coldrick
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Patent number: 9544975Abstract: An improved hardware light switch and a system comprising at least one of the light switches and control/monitoring means is disclosed. The improved light switch and system provide a more flexible, convenient and economical means to reduce energy consumption both at the switch and remotely. In a first configuration, the improved light switch comprises an electronic switch, a broadband powerline communication (PLC) transceiver that includes processing ability, a unique MAC address and a TCP/IP stack.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2010Date of Patent: January 10, 2017Assignee: YWIRE TECHNOLOGIES INC.Inventors: Rod M. Giltaca, Omar Tabba, R. Kyle Smith, Pablo Cassani
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Patent number: 9509134Abstract: A disconnect unit and an associated method in a photovoltaic system includes a plurality of input power lines configured to receive power from a photovoltaic (PV) generator, and deliver the received power to an inverter. The disconnect unit further includes a sensor configured to determine a voltage at the plurality of input power lines, and a controller configured to selectively disconnect and reconnect one or more of the plurality of input power lines based on the determined voltage.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2014Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: SMA SOLAR TECHNOLOGY AGInventors: Matthew Bermingham, Michael Alexander
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Patent number: 9491798Abstract: There is provided a communications system (10) comprising a plurality of base stations (12), a central station (16) and a fiber optic communications network (14). Each base station (12) comprises a shelter (20) for a passenger awaiting transport, the shelter (20) having a wireless network access point (22). The central station (16) is arranged to facilitate communication between each base station (12) and a communications network (18) and the fiber optic communications network (14) is arranged to facilitate communication between each base station (12) and the central station (16).Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2012Date of Patent: November 8, 2016Assignee: TELEKOM MALAYSIA BERHADInventors: Nor Azhadi Ngah, Nurul Afzan Omar, Mohamed Razman Yahya, Norman Fadhil Idham Muhammad, Ashaari Yusoff, Asban Dolah, Syamsuri Yaakob
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Patent number: 9479003Abstract: A power control device has a voltage-regulator from power source to load, the load configurable to receive power at least at a first or second rate. The device has monitor circuitry to measure power; signal circuitry for signaling a power-reception rate to the load; and circuitry for resetting the load when the power source is overloaded. The device resets the load periodically to the second rate when the load is at the first rate. In embodiments, the power source is a thermoelectric generator or solar panel. In embodiments, the load couples through a USB connector. A companion method of charging smart loads includes applying power to the load; communicating power available to the load; configuring a battery charger in the load to absorb an amount of power less than that available; monitoring power, determining when changed configuration may optimize charging time of a smart load battery; and resetting the smart load to optimize current.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2013Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: ALTEN, LLCInventors: David Toledo, Paul Slusser
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Patent number: 9470384Abstract: Provided is a luminous sphere comprising a ball with a circular opening and a plug insertable into the ball. A battery container receiving one or more batteries is attached to the plug. A light source in electronic communication with the one or more batteries is enclosed with the inserted plug inside the ball and powered by the batteries to emit light from the ball. The plug can have a switch for activating the light source. The plug can also have one or more circuit boards attached to the plug for controlling power and timing to the light source. The light source can be a string of a plurality of light emitting diodes in series along a wire. A detachable solar panel can be in electronic communication with the one or more batteries. A sensor that turns on the light source when the sensor senses motion can also be provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2014Date of Patent: October 18, 2016Inventor: Sohrab Robby Soofer
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Patent number: 9440525Abstract: A solar powered assisted trailer cooling system includes a trailer that has a bottom wall, a top wall and a perimeter wall attached to and extending between the top and bottom walls. The trailer is configured to be pulled by a vehicle to define a tractor trailer. A cooling assembly is mounted on the perimeter wall and is configured to cool an interior of the trailer. The cooling assembly includes a compressor powered by an electric motor. A plurality of solar panels converts sunlight into electricity. Each of the solar panels is mounted on an upper surface of the top wall. The plurality of solar panels is electrically coupled to a plurality of batteries. The solar panels recharge the batteries when the solar panels are producing electricity. The batteries are electrically coupled to the electric motor to power the compressor.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2011Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Inventors: Kathleen K. Baty, Larry L. Baty
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Patent number: 9437887Abstract: Fuel cell and/or high-pressure electrolysis cell and a fuel cell membrane arrangement for improved control of a fuel cell by an actuator connected to the fuel cell membrane.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2012Date of Patent: September 6, 2016Assignees: Helmut Schmidt Universität, Universität der Bundeswehr Hamburg, Hamburg Innovation GmbHInventor: Detlef Schulz
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Patent number: 9438035Abstract: A solar array power generation system includes a solar array electrically connected to a control system. The solar array has a plurality of solar modules, each module having at least one DC/DC converter for converting the raw panel output to an optimized high voltage, low current output. In a further embodiment, each DC/DC converter requires a signal to enable power output of the solar modules.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2011Date of Patent: September 6, 2016Assignee: Solaredge Technologies Ltd.Inventors: F. William Capp, William J. Driscoll
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Patent number: 9410370Abstract: An aspect of the invention provides an electric curtain. The electric curtain includes a sunlight detector for obtaining light information of sunlight and a light modulation device capable of receiving the sunlight and for adjusting an emergent angle of the sunlight to refract the sunlight to a ceiling of a room.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2015Date of Patent: August 9, 2016Assignee: DELTA ELECTRONICS, INC.Inventors: Yeong-Feng Wang, Ming-Wei Tsai, Keh-Su Chang, Rong-Chang Liang
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Patent number: 9399402Abstract: A proximity detection circuit is operable to detect connection of a cordset to a vehicle charging system or connection of another device to some other electrical circuit where it may be desirable to facilitate detection while a controller or other current drawing source is inactive.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2011Date of Patent: July 26, 2016Assignee: Lear CorporationInventor: Krzysztof Klesyk
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Patent number: 9358897Abstract: An electric motor vehicle with a drive motor, a first rechargeable battery with a first design and a second rechargeable battery with a second design. Electrical energy may be transferred bidirectionally between the drive motor and the first rechargeable battery, and at least unidirectionally from the second rechargeable battery to the drive motor or the first rechargeable battery. The second rechargeable battery in this case includes at least one redox flow cell. Furthermore, a redox flow module is provided with at least one redox flow cell, which includes an electrical coupling for connection to a circuit of a vehicle and a fluid coupling for connection to an electrolyte circuit of said vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2011Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: MAGNA STEYR Fahrzeugtechnik AG & Co KGInventors: Hermann Pecnik, Gerald Teuschl
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Patent number: 9354682Abstract: A mobile electronic apparatus includes a main body unit having a main board, a display unit disposed so as to rotate with respect to the main body unit for operating according to a control of the main board, a solar cell module disposed on a rear surface of the display unit for generating electric power by converting solar energy into electric power, and a converting circuit disposed inside the display unit for stabilizing electric power generated by the solar cell module so as to supply stable electric power.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2012Date of Patent: May 31, 2016Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kun-suk Kim, Hae-soo Kim
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Patent number: 9296288Abstract: Hybrid aircraft propulsion systems are disclosed comprising an electrically driven ducted fan, a peripheral duct or enclosure, a combustion-produced source of radiant energy, radiant energy receivers or cold mirrors, and thermophotovoltaic or thermoelectric cell energy converters. An electric motor drives a partially or completely duct enclosed fan. Downstream and within the duct enclosure, radiant energy emitters irradiated receiver fins and thermophotovoltaic cells or thermoelectric cells. The receiver fins heat and expand the fan air, and the thermophotovoltaic cells or thermoelectric cells convert the radiant energy into electrical energy which is available to charge batteries and energize the fan motor. Thrust is provided via the acceleration of air by the fan and by the acceleration of air due to heat driven expansion.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2013Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignee: Separation Design Group LLCInventor: Stephen Douglas Galbraith
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Patent number: 9254918Abstract: A partition configured to be positioned within an aircraft. The partition includes a first divider assembly that includes a first wall portion having a first jamb member secured to an inboard surface thereof and a first door hingedly connected to the first jamb member. The first jamb member includes first lighting that illuminates the first door, and the first door is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The partition also includes a second divider assembly that includes a second wall portion having a second jamb member secured to an inboard surface thereof and a second door hingedly connected to the second jamb member. The second jamb member includes second lighting that illuminates the second door, and the second door is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The second door is spaced apart from the first door.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2013Date of Patent: February 9, 2016Assignee: C&D Zodiac, Inc.Inventors: William Wai-Loong Young, Glen A. Noda, Ian Geoffrey Scoley, Nicholas Lee
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Patent number: 9246354Abstract: An electricity storage device for a solar energy harvesting device comprising at least a first electricity storage unit, at least a second electricity storage unit, a battery monitoring unit and a power converter. The second electricity storage unit is for coupled to an exterior power supply system which charges/discharges the second electricity storage unit in a predetermined voltage. The battery monitoring unit controls the power converter according to the output voltage of the first electricity storage unit for converting the electricity of the first electricity storage unit to the second electricity unit. When the output voltage of the first electricity storage unit is larger than a start voltage, the electricity of the first electricity storage unit is converted to the second electricity storage unit. When the output voltage of the first electricity storage unit is less than a stop voltage, the battery monitoring unit disables the power converter.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2013Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Inventor: Yun-Shan Chang
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Patent number: 9103567Abstract: An array of photovoltaic panels comprising a plurality of primary branches extending radially outwardly from a central trunk, and a plurality of photovoltaic panels joined to the primary branches, wherein the primary branches extend outwardly from the trunk in a spiral arrangement having a ratio of x turns around the trunk for every y primary branches. The ratio of x:y may be derived from a phyllotaxic arrangement of branches and leaves on a plant. X may be a Fibonacci number, with y being its Fibonacci second successor. The ratio of x/y may be selected from certain Fibonacci ratios, including 1/3, 2/5, 3/8, and 5/13. A method of converting electromagnetic radiation to electrical energy, and a method of making a device for converting electromagnetic radiation to electrical energy in accordance with the invention are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2012Date of Patent: August 11, 2015Assignee: SEQUENCE DESIGN LTD.Inventors: Aidan Rhys Dwyer, Sean Patrick Dwyer
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Patent number: 9101004Abstract: A public lighting system includes at least one street lamp (1) of the type including a lighting device (3), a device for converting renewable energy into electric energy (4), and a post switch (6) for alternately connecting either the lighting device (3) or the generator (4) to a power line (5). The lighting system further includes a line switch (70) that switches between a first position, in which the power line (5) is connected to a power grid (8), and a second position, in which the power line (5) is connected to an inverter (71) interposed between the line switch (70) and the power grid (8).Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2011Date of Patent: August 4, 2015Assignee: SPI TECNO SRLInventors: Dario Pennisi, Berardino De Angelis
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Patent number: 8963167Abstract: An improved diode energy converter for chemical kinetic electron energy transfer is formed using nanostructures and includes identifiable regions associated with chemical reactions isolated chemically from other regions in the converter, a region associated with an area that forms energy barriers of the desired height, a region associated with tailoring the boundary between semiconductor material and metal materials so that the junction does not tear apart, and a region associated with removing heat from the semiconductor.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2014Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: Neokismet, LLCInventors: Jawahar M. Gidwani, Anthony C. Zuppero
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Patent number: 8907202Abstract: A system and method for generating electricity using networked traffic bearing solar panels. A plurality of networked solar roadway panels, each formed of an upper surface layer, medial electronics layer and lower base, are sufficiently strong to support vehicular and pedestrian traffic directly thereon. Each panel carries plural photovoltaic cells, plural light emitting diodes, a heating element, a controller and related circuitry, and communicates with an energy storage device. The plurality of solar roadway panels operatively communicate with an external electrical grid and with a communication grid. The trafficable panels generate power, self-heat, provide communication links and channel storm water run-off to a storm water collection system. This system provides a self-healing, decentralized smart grid intelligent traffic bearing system.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2010Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Inventors: Scott David Brusaw, Julie A. Brusaw
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Patent number: 8835744Abstract: A solar cell module having a solar cell panel with strings of electrically-coupled solar cells arranged in a row includes one or more lead wires that electrically couple the strings and a junction box. The one or more lead wires are arranged such that they do not overlap with each other and such that one or more of the lead wires includes a portion that overlaps and does not electrically connect to interconnector of a string. The lead wires include an interconnector connection part connected to a respective string interconnector, and the interconnector connection parts of the lead wires are arranged in a straight line.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2013Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventor: Sanghwan Park
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Patent number: 8825500Abstract: In accordance with various exemplary embodiments, solar energy shade structures and methods of design and revenue generation are disclosed. These systems comprise structures capable of supporting solar panel at heights greater than 18 feet above their mounting surface. These systems may be installed in confined spaces. These systems also comprise structures that are customizable, allowing an installation to be configured with a desired lighting and environmental effect. The methods discussed herein describe processes for achieving desired design effects based on natural elements. Moreover, the methods discussed herein describe processes for reducing the costs of generating solar energy and/or reducing the costs of providing a solar structure.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2011Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: Strategic Solar Energy, LLCInventors: Jack DeBartolo, III, Robert L. Boscamp, Thomas Headley
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Patent number: 8814256Abstract: Provided is a mounting structure for mounting a film-shaped electric device to a glass panel, comprising: a resin panel attached to a surface of the film-shaped electric device to form a panel-shaped electric device having first and second edges; and first and second retaining members attached to one surface of the glass panel in correspondence with the first and second edges of the panel-shaped electric device, respectively, each first and second retaining member defining a groove such that the groove opens toward a region of the glass panel to be covered by the panel-shaped electric device, wherein the panel-shaped electric device is retained by the first and second retaining members with the first and second edges of the panel-shaped electric device being received in the corresponding grooves such that the surface of the film-shaped electric device having the resin panel attached thereto faces away from the glass panel.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2013Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: Yachiyo Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tatsuaki Uehara, Shigehito Horiuchi, Junya Yoshioka, Tsutomu Iwaya
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Patent number: 8749395Abstract: A method and apparatus for indicating a disconnection within a Distributed Generator (DG). In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises an alarm module electrically coupled to a conductive portion of a component within the DG, wherein the conductive portion is grounded via a ground rod system, and wherein the alarm module (i) is further coupled to a ground line, (ii) couples a monitoring current to the conductive portion, (iii) monitors flow of the monitoring current to determine a change in the flow, and (iv) generates, as a result of the change in the flow, a notification of the disconnection.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2011Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: Enphase Energy, Inc.Inventors: Martin Fornage, Raghuveer R. Belur
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Patent number: 8744939Abstract: A method of rewarding loyalty of a user may include providing a personal terminal to the user, detecting whether the personal terminal is within proximity of an interaction terminal, and based at least in part on the proximity of the personal terminal to the interaction terminal, providing a benefit to the user.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2011Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: The Coca-Cola CompanyInventors: Anthony J. Phillips, Leonard F. Antao, Gerard E. Insolia, H. Brock Kolls
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Patent number: 8643323Abstract: A photovoltaic system for generating an output voltage that is uninfluenced by varying irradiation, includes a photovoltaic source having an input terminal and an output terminal. The photovoltaic system includes a voltage adding arrangement having a first input terminal and an output terminal. The voltage adding arrangement is connected in series with the photovoltaic source, and includes a first route having a voltage source and a second route as a voltage source bypass. The first and second routes extend between the first input terminal and the output terminal of the voltage adding arrangement. The first and second routes being alternately activateable.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2011Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: ABB Research LtdInventors: Panagiotis Bakas, Georgios Demetriades, Frans Dijkhuizen, Staffan Norrga, Konstantinos Papastergiou, Bengt Stridh, Stefan Thorburn, Lennart Ängquist
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Patent number: 8624561Abstract: A power conversion system may include a controller to cause a power stage to control the flow of power to or from an energy storage device in response to a dynamic reference. The flow of power to or from the energy storage device may be controlled at a substantially higher speed than power fluctuations in a power source or load. In a power conversion system, a model including an energy storage device may be generated in real-time, and a condition of the energy storage device may be determined in response to the model.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2010Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: SolarBridge Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Keith Slavin
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Patent number: 8590263Abstract: An energy conversion device is adapted to be housed within a unitized curtain wall unit as part of an exterior shell or façade of a building structure. The device can be a photovoltaic module that includes other power generating system components—including control units and associated power/signal wiring—within the façade.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2010Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Architectural Glass and Aluminum Corporation, Inc.Inventor: Joe Brescia
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Patent number: 8586855Abstract: A solar cell module having a solar cell panel with strings of electrically-coupled solar cells arranged in a row includes one or more lead wires that electrically couple the strings and a junction box. The one or more lead wires are arranged such that they do not overlap with each other and such that one or more of the lead wires includes a portion that overlaps and does not electrically connect to interconnector of a string. The lead wires include an interconnector connection part connected to a respective string interconnector, and the interconnector connection parts of the lead wires are arranged in a straight line.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2010Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventor: Sanghwan Park
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Patent number: 8575887Abstract: A belt supported universal charging holster for charging and transporting portable electronic devices includes a built-in charging battery, at least one photovoltaic cell, a controller circuit, an ON/OFF switch, an indicator light, and a cable connected with the controller circuit having a DC electrical jack at a free end which serves as a DC input/output port. A plurality of adapter plugs are provided that have one end connectable in the input/output port of the cable and a second end connectable with the charging port of different portable electronic devices for charging the device battery. The charging battery of the holster may be reenergized by the photovoltaic cell or by an external power source connected with the input/output port of the cable by a USB adapter plug. The adapter plugs may include a mini-LED flashlight connectable with the port of the cable.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2010Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Inventor: Eduardo Pomare
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Patent number: 8563845Abstract: An apparatus for powering a load from solar energy comprises a DC/DC converter, battery terminals coupled to an output of the DC/DC converter and coupleable to an energy storage device, and solar panel terminals coupled to an input of the DC/DC converter and coupleable to a solar panel. Logic is coupled to the converter to control its conversion rate. A detector is coupled to the converter and detects its power output. The logic is operable to adjust the conversion rate until the solar panel operates at the smaller of a maximum power point of the solar panel and a power point of the solar panel that results in a maximum desired power.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2006Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Carmanah Technologies Corp.Inventors: Jason N. Work, Neil D. Wyper, Simon H. Lightbody
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Patent number: 8466399Abstract: An automated method to monitor performance and adjust the programmed motion of a terrestrial solar cell array tracking the sun. The solar cell system includes two motor drives that adjust a position of the array along different respective axes with respect to the sun. A software algorithm predicts the position of the sun during the course of the day, and a kinematic model with adjustable encoding parameters controls the motor drives. Sampled data taken periodically may be used to update and modify the encoding parameters of the kinematic model in order to improve accuracy of the position of the array as it moves during the course of the day due to changes in mechanical or foundational positions supporting the array that may occur over the course of time.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2010Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Assignee: Suncore Photovoltaics, Inc.Inventor: James Sherman
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Patent number: 8466400Abstract: A solar concentrator calibration tool that compensates for inconsistencies in the fabrication, assembly and installation of a solar collector system, permitting the solar collector to perform optimally. The calibration tool provides feedback information to a supervisory control processor, allowing the processor to compare the expected position of the sun to the “actual” position found by the calibration tool. The processor then generates a calibration signal, thereafter used by the collector's movement control mechanism, to compensate the tracking of the solar collector to accurately follow the movement of the sun, unconstrained by the effects of the construction inconsistencies.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2010Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Assignee: CEWA Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Michael E. Fangman
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Patent number: 8450964Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment, a control circuit includes a comparator circuit that compares a solar cell voltage and a battery voltage and responsively activates a charging control signal if the solar cell voltage is greater than the battery voltage. If the solar cell voltage is not greater than the battery voltage, the comparator circuit deactivates the charging control signal.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2009Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: Semiconductor Components Industries, LLCInventors: Alexandra-Oana Petroianu, Gabriel Codrin Aungurencei
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Patent number: 8427378Abstract: An antenna may include a ground plane and a solar cell spaced above the ground plane. The solar cell may have first and second power output terminals. The antenna may include a coaxial antenna feed line including an inner conductor coupled to the first power output terminal, and an outer conductor coupled to the ground plane so that the solar cell also serves as a patch antenna element. The antenna may further include a drive shunt conductor extending between the first terminal and the ground plane.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2010Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: Harris CorporationInventor: Francis Eugene Parsche
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Patent number: 8384341Abstract: A micro electrical-mechanical systems (MEMS) device INCLUDES a MEMS substrate and at least one MEMS structure on the MEMS substrate. In addition, there is at least one battery cell on the MEMS substrate coupled to the at least one MEMS structure. The at least one battery cell includes a support fin extending vertically upward from the MEMS substrate and a first electrode layer on the support fin. In addition, there is an electrolyte layer on the cathode layer, and a second electrode layer on the electrolyte layer. The support fin may have a height greater than a width. The first electrode layer may have a processing temperature associated therewith that exceeds a stability temperature associated with the second electrode layer.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2009Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: Harris CorporationInventors: Lawrence Wayne Shacklette, Louis Joseph Rendek, Jr., David M. Smith
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Patent number: 8383553Abstract: Novel dyes, as well as related photovoltaic cells, components, systems, and methods, are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2008Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: Merck Patent GmbHInventors: Richard A. Minns, David Waller