Patents Assigned to SunLink Corporation
  • Patent number: 9615470
    Abstract: A wiring combiner box for combining wires from photovoltaic panels includes a fuse block mounted to a side wall of an enclosure. This construction design allows for combiner boxes to be manufactured in a more narrow enclosure, and also makes it easier to connect the solar panel circuit conductors to the fuse terminal inputs, as the fuse terminal inputs are now more visible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: SunLink Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel Wylder Sherwood, Dan Alexander Morales, Jaquelyn H. Miyatake
  • Patent number: 9601645
    Abstract: A mounting system for photovoltaic solar panels providing support for different sized panels, and/or panels having mounting holes located in different locations. A universal panel clamp includes at least one elongated hole or slot to attach to a mounting hole on a solar panel frame. A clamp is attached to an upper hole, and a second clamp is attached to a lower mounting hole. The upper clamps are attached to an upper lateral support member, and the lower clamps are attached to a lower lateral support member. This assembly may be supported by A-shaped support members having adjustable tilt arms, or posts with specially configured brackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: SunLink Corporation
    Inventors: Martin Seery, Robert H. J. Miros
  • Patent number: 9593867
    Abstract: A mounting system for mounting photovoltaic panels, which provides for a quick and easy assembly. The ground mount system for photovoltaic panels includes at least two vertical supports, wherein attached to each vertical support are a T plate connected to a vertical support, a post frame connected to the T plate, and a kicker brace connected between the vertical support and the post frame. The ground mount system may further include a first C-Purlin connected to a first end of the post frame, to a second C-Purlin connected to a second end of the post frame, a purlin tie connected between the first C-Purlin and the second C-Purlin. Panel clamps secure a photovoltaic panel assembly to the mounting system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: SunLink Corporation
    Inventors: Martin Seery, Isaac Childress, Tim Henson, Kate Miller, Clara Nagy
  • Patent number: 9279521
    Abstract: A wire management clip formed of an elastic material to clip onto a structural element. The clip is formed to include an area for supporting a wire or wire bundle. Preferably, the clip includes holes formed on opposing sides to allow a strap attachment, such as a zip-tie, to hold a conduit or wire outside the clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: SunLink Corporation
    Inventors: Jaquelyn Miyatake, Miguel M. L. Praca
  • Patent number: 9279415
    Abstract: A solar array integration system (AIS) and methods for mounting solar energy capture devices are provided. Such systems are useful for applications such as mounting photovoltaic (PV) modules to a suitable surface such as a rooftop. In one embodiment, the AIS includes a first row of tilted solar modules, a center spoiler coupled to the first row of tilted solar modules, the center spoiler is configured to deflect frontal airflow over the first row of tilted solar modules, and a second row of tilted solar modules, the second row of tilted solar modules being coupled to each other by an aerodynamic spar. The aerodynamic spar includes a deflector configured to deflect frontal airflow over the second row of tilted solar modules. The deflector may include a wedge-shaped profile. AIS can also include a third row of tilted solar modules, with an end spoiler coupled to the third row of tilted solar modules, and wherein the end spoiler is configured to deflect side airflow over the third row of tilted solar modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: SunLink Corporation
    Inventors: Michael S. Huber, Michael E. Bowler
  • Patent number: 9038329
    Abstract: An adjustable photovoltaic panel mounting system that allows for variations in roofs and roof elements, while still maintaining a rigid and secure assembly. The specific location for supporting feet and structural elements of the mounting system may be varied to allow for variations in roof features and different panel configurations. The mounting mechanisms are adjustable in both a North/South and a East/West direction to provide for maximum layout flexibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: SunLink Corporation
    Inventors: Todd Pelman, Miguel Praca, Rodney Holland, Louis Basel, Jaquelyn Miyatake
  • Patent number: 8887920
    Abstract: A novel PV module carrier and methods of use provide protection for PV modules during transportation, field handling, and assembly with racking systems. The carrier contains elements of a racking system to allow for quicker installation in the field. The PV module carrier reduces manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for frame elements, while reducing field installation time and labor cost for system installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: SunLink Corporation
    Inventors: Todd Pelman, Martin N. Seery, Jeff Hartnett
  • Patent number: 8615939
    Abstract: A photovoltaic module mounting system using clamps to attach the modules to a mounting structure, thereby providing a universal mounting structure for use with laminate or framed modules of differing shapes and sizes, from different manufacturers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: SunLink Corporation
    Inventors: Martin N. Seery, Rodney H. Holland, Jeff Hartnett, Isaac Childress, Todd Pelman
  • Patent number: 8413391
    Abstract: A mounting system for photovoltaic solar panels providing support for different sized panels, and/or panels having mounting holes located in different locations. A universal panel clamp includes at least one elongated hole or slot to attach to a mounting hole on a solar panel frame. A clamp is attached to an upper hole, and a second clamp is attached to a lower mounting hole. The upper clamps are attached to an upper lateral support member, and the lower clamps are attached to a lower lateral support member. This assembly may be supported by A-shaped support members having adjustable tilt arms, or posts with specially configured brackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Sunlink Corporation
    Inventors: Martin Seery, Robert H. J. Miros
  • Patent number: 8397448
    Abstract: A photovoltaic panel clamp includes an upper and lower section. The interface between the assembled clamp halves and the module edge is filled by a flexible gasket material, such as EPDM rubber. The gasket preferably has small, finger like protrusions that allow for easy insertion onto the module edge while being reversed makes it more difficult to remove them from the module once installed. The clamp includes mounting posts or an integral axle to engage a bracket. The clamp also may include a locking tongue to secure the clamp to a bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: SunLink Corporation
    Inventors: Malcolm P. Brown, Margaret Birmingham Mittan, Robert H. J. Miros, Robert Stancel
  • Patent number: 8266848
    Abstract: A solar array mounting system having unique installation, load distribution, and grounding features, and which is adaptable for mounting solar panels having no external frame. The solar array mounting system includes flexible, pedestal-style feet and structural links connected in a grid formation on the mounting surface. The photovoltaic modules are secured in place via the use of attachment clamps that grip the edge of the typically glass substrate. The panel mounting clamps are then held in place by tilt brackets and/or mid-link brackets that provide fixation for the clamps and align the solar panels at a tilt to the horizontal mounting surface. The tilt brackets are held in place atop the flexible feet and connected link members thus creating a complete mounting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: SunLink Corporation
    Inventors: Robert H. J. Miros, Margaret Birmingham Mittan, Martin N. Seery, Rodney H. Holland
  • Patent number: 8191320
    Abstract: A photovoltaic panel clamp includes an upper and lower section. The interface between the assembled clamp halves and the module edge is filled by a flexible gasket material, such as EPDM rubber. The gasket preferably has small, finger like protrusions that allow for easy insertion onto the module edge while being reversed makes it more difficult to remove them from the module once installed. The clamp includes mounting posts or an integral axle to engage a bracket. The clamp also may include a locking tongue to secure the clamp to a bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: SunLink Corporation
    Inventors: Margaret Birmingham Mittan, Robert H. J. Miros, Malcolm P. Brown, Robert Stancel
  • Patent number: 8156697
    Abstract: A solar array mounting system having unique installation, load distribution, and grounding features, and which is adaptable for mounting solar panels having no external frame. The solar array mounting system includes flexible, pedestal-style feet and structural links connected in a grid formation on the mounting surface. The photovoltaic modules are secured in place via the use of attachment clamps that grip the edge of the typically glass substrate. The panel mounting clamps are then held in place by tilt brackets and/or mid-link brackets that provide fixation for the clamps and align the solar panels at a tilt to the horizontal mounting surface. The tilt brackets are held in place atop the flexible feet and connected link members thus creating a complete mounting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Sunlink Corporation
    Inventors: Robert H. J. Miros, Margaret Birmingham Mittan, Martin N. Seery, Rodney H. Holland
  • Patent number: D576478
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: SunLink Corporation
    Inventors: John Thomas Mead, Robert H J Miros