Location History:
- Athens, OH (US) (1996 - 2000)
- San Diego, CA (US) (2003)
Company Filing History:
Years Active: 1996-2003
Title: **Innovator Spotlight: Nicholas R Van Der Walt**
Introduction
Nicholas R Van Der Walt, an accomplished inventor based in Athens, OH, holds five patents in the field of innovative technology. His contributions to engineering and technology through practical inventions have made a significant impact on various industries, particularly in systems controlling machinery and refrigeration technologies.
Latest Patents
One of his notable recent patents is a **Control system and method for preventing destructive collisions in free piston machines**. This invention focuses on detecting initial collisions of the piston within the machine and generating a corresponding change in the perturbation signal, which is applied in a feedback control system to manage the force on the piston. This control mechanism helps to minimize damaging collisions while optimizing performance by balancing between collisions and maximum piston amplitude.
Another significant patent is the **Refrigeration circuit having series evaporators and modulatable**. This refrigeration system is designed with a modulatable compressor and a Rankine cycle that incorporates multiple evaporators. It intelligently adjusts the compressor flow rate based on the temperature of the items being cooled, thus optimizing the efficiency of the refrigeration system through advanced control circuits that regulate the refrigerant flow paths.
Career Highlights
Nicholas is currently employed at SunPower Corporation, where he continues to develop and refine innovative technologies that enhance operational efficiency and performance in various applications. His work focuses on creating solutions that address both efficiency and reliability in machinery, contributing to advancements in energy and refrigeration technologies.
Collaborations
Throughout his career, Nicholas has collaborated with talented colleagues, including Reuven Z Unger and William T Beale. Their teamwork underscores the value of collaborative innovation and the sharing of ideas that drives progress in engineering and technology.
Conclusion
Nicholas R Van Der Walt exemplifies the spirit of innovation with his remarkable patents and dedication to improving technology in the energy and refrigeration spheres. His work not only addresses current challenges but also paves the way for future advancements, marking significant contributions to the engineering community.
Inventor’s Patent Attorneys refers to legal professionals with specialized expertise in representing inventors throughout the patent process. These attorneys assist inventors in navigating the complexities of patent law, including filing patent applications, conducting patent searches, and protecting intellectual property rights. They play a crucial role in helping inventors secure patents for their innovative creations.