Ning Ma, 60San Francisco, CA

2007022, Oct 4, 2007

Feb 13, 2007

11/706143

Ning Ma - San Mateo CA, US
Ralf J. Muller - Conroe TX, US
Leyland Smith - The Woodlands TX, US

E21B 47/02
E21B 44/00
E21B 7/04

175 26, 175 45, 175 61

A rotary steerable apparatus is provided having an actuator for pushing the bit or pointing the bit that includes a shape memory alloy. An elongated form of the alloy, such as a wire or rod, is employed in a mechanism that applies force in a direction transverse to the wellbore in response to a change in length of the alloy. Temperature of the alloy is controlled to change shape and produce the desired force on pads for operating the apparatus. The apparatus may be used with downhole power generation and control electronics to steer a bit, either in response to signals from the surface or from downhole instruments.

2010010, May 6, 2010

Nov 3, 2008

12/289725

David Taggart - San Carlos CA, US
Gianluigi Mascolo - Emeryville CA, US
Ning Ma - San Mateo CA, US

OptiSolar, Inc. - Hayward CA

E04H 15/02
E04H 15/34

135 96, 135121

An aeroelastic solar-power-generating canopy is described that requires minimal construction efforts. The canopy can be formed over supporting structures such as columns, without requiring an existing roof. The canopy contains a plurality of solar panels arranged substantially adjacent to each other, which are coupled to attachment members. Linking members are coupled to the attachment members, the linking members providing a flexing point for the solar panels. A cable is coupled to the linking members, spanning a substantial portion of the distance covered by the solar panels, providing a restraining force. And, at least one of the attachment members and cable is coupled to a supporting structure, wherein the cable in conjunction with the linking members allows the solar panels to dynamically react to loads, the arranged solar panels operating as a covering and as a source of solar power.

2010017, Jul 15, 2010

Jan 13, 2009

12/318944

Gianluigi Mascolo - Emeryville CA, US
David F. Taggart - San Carlos CA, US
Ning Ma - San Mateo CA, US
Philip Rettger - Moraga CA, US

OPTISOLAR INC. - Hayward CA

E04B 7/18
E04D 13/18
E04G 23/00

521733, 248237, 5274521

Systems and methods are disclosed for efficiently securing solar panels on a roof surface that does not require penetration of the roof membrane. Supports for the solar panels are designed with a small footprint with sufficient spacing to allow free drainage between the supports. A simple, low-cost attachment member or clip can be integrated with each support to attach the panel to the support, and in some instances the clip (or its mount on the support) can also be used to lift the support to the roof. The panels can include one or more rails that can slide through a loosened clip, but be held securely in place by a tightened clip. The panels can be installed initially with the clips grasping the rails loosely and once the supports and rails are in their final positions, the clips can be fully tightened to form a rigid solar panel array.