Roderick D Macgregor

US Patent:

20050184533, Aug 25, 2005

Filed:

Jun 18, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/871357

Inventors:

Joseph Hebenstreit - San Francisco CA, US
Roderick MacGregor - Antioch CA, US

International Classification:

F16H021/00

US Classification:

292201000

Abstract:

Embodiments of the invention relate to shape memory alloy (“SMA”)-actuated release mechanisms for drive systems. In one embodiment, a SMA-actuated release mechanism includes at least one anchor point and a pivot point. The SMA-actuated release mechanism also includes a latch member pivotally coupled to the pivot point and configured to engage a drive member of a drive system. The SMA=actuated release mechanism further includes a SMA element having a first portion coupled to the least one anchor point and a second portion coupled to the latch member. Activation of the SMA element causes the latch member to pivot about the pivot point, such that the latch member disengages from the drive member.

US Patent:

20060048511, Mar 9, 2006

Filed:

Sep 3, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/934037

Inventors:

Shawn Everson - Fremont CA, US
Ali Ghorbal - Antioch CA, US
Henry Nash - Old Amersham, GB
Andrei Szilagyi - Danville CA, US
Roderick MacGregor - Antioch CA, US
Kurt Kuhlmann - San Jose CA, US

International Classification:

F01B 29/10

US Classification:

060527000

Abstract:

A method of controlling a shape memory alloy actuator includes applying power to a shape memory alloy actuator. A measured actuation parameter is obtained from the shape memory alloy actuator. An operational characteristic parameter is derived based upon the power and the measured actuation parameter. An actuation state parameter is identified from the operational characteristic parameter. The actuation state parameter is used to modify the control of the shape memory alloy actuator.

US Patent:

20120152307, Jun 21, 2012

Filed:

Feb 1, 2010

Appl. No.:

13/146910

Inventors:

Roderick MacGregor - Livermore CA, US
Peter Emery von Behrens - San Francisco CA, US

International Classification:

H01L 31/052
F03G 6/06
F24J 2/10
F24J 2/46
F24J 2/38
F24J 2/04

US Classification:

136246, 126600, 126634, 126684, 126704, 6064115

Abstract:

A protective transparent enclosure (such as a glasshouse or a greenhouse) encloses a concentrated solar power system (e.g. a thermal and/or a photovoltaic system). The concentrated solar power system includes one or more solar concentrators and one or more solar receivers. Thermal power is provided to an industrial process, electrical power is provided to an electrical distribution grid, or both. In some embodiments, the solar concentrators are dish-shaped mirrors that are mechanically coupled to a joint that enables rotation at a fixed distance about respective solar collectors that are fixed in position with respect to the protective transparent enclosure. In some embodiments, the solar collectors are suspended from structure of the protective transparent enclosure and the solar concentrators are suspended from the solar collectors. In some embodiments, the greenhouse is a Dutch Venlo style greenhouse.