Patents by Inventor Jack Raymond West

Jack Raymond West has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20160056752
    Abstract: A solar array with successive rows of photovoltaic modules angled in opposing directions forming peaks and valleys between the rows with the valleys (i.e.: lower sides of the photovoltaic module rows) being mounted close together and the peaks (i.e.: upper sides of the photovoltaic module rows) being mounted far apart to improve system aerodynamics and permit ease of access for installers. Included is a system for connecting the upper sides of the photovoltaic modules to connectors that slide on bars extending between upper and lower mounting bases and for pivot locking the lower sides of the photovoltaic modules to the lower mounting bases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2015
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Inventors: Brian Atchley, Geoffrey Fedoroff, Joe O'Connor, Jack Raymond West, Ian Crecelius
  • Publication number: 20160053499
    Abstract: A roof-mounted venting device or assembly adapted for use with roof mounted photovoltaic (PV) panels is provided. Venting devices and assemblies can include a replacement flashing that fits over a cut-down roof pipe vent as well as venting assemblies that redirect airflow from a roof pipe vent. Such replacement flashing can include a substantially planar flashing portion from which protrudes a hood portion with one or more vent openings to allow airflow into and out from the interior of the hood portion. The vent openings can be configured as a series of louvered openings that open in a down-roof direction to prevent flow of run-off and debris into the hood portion. Venting assemblies can include a coupling portion for mating with a vent-pipe, a section of hose or piping to redirect airflow, and a venting portion disposed outside or between roof-mounted solar panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2015
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Inventors: Jack Raymond West, Brian Atchley, Johann Karkheck
  • Publication number: 20160056753
    Abstract: A solar array with successive rows of photovoltaic modules angled in opposing directions forming peaks and valleys between the rows with the valleys (i.e.: lower sides of the photovoltaic module rows) being mounted close together and the peaks (i.e.: upper sides of the photovoltaic module rows) being mounted far apart to improve system aerodynamics and permit ease of access for installers. Included is a system for connecting the upper sides of the photovoltaic modules to connectors that slide on bars extending between upper and lower mounting bases and for pivot locking the lower sides of the photovoltaic modules to the lower mounting bases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2015
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Inventors: Brian Atchley, Geoffrey Fedoroff, Joe O'Connor, Jack Raymond West, Ian Crecelius
  • Publication number: 20160043690
    Abstract: A system and apparatus are disclosed including for quickly and easily assembling PV modules into a PV array in a sturdy and durable manner. In examples of the present technology, the system includes a leveling foot for engaging a PV module and supporting the PV module on a support structure. The leveling foot allows adjustment of the height of engaged PV modules relative to the support structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventor: Jack Raymond West
  • Publication number: 20160043691
    Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) module framing and coupling system enables the attachment of PV modules to a roof or other mounting surface without requiring the use of separate structural support members which attach directly to and span between multiple PV modules in a formed PV array. The apparatus provides a parallel coupling for securely interlocking the outside surfaces of parallel frame members together in a side to side arrangement to form an array with improved structural load distribution. The coupling may attach to a slot in the frame at substantially any position along the length of the frame thereby enabling the interconnection of adjacent PV modules along both an x and y axis. The apparatus may further provide a rotating portion and locking portion, mounting brackets for direct connection to a mounting surface, grounding teeth, and a twist-lock engagement means for interlocking and aligning PV modules in the array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Jack Raymond West, Hans-Christoph Haenlein
  • Patent number: 9231517
    Abstract: A photovoltaic array, including: (a) supports laid out on a surface in rows and columns; (b) photovoltaic modules positioned on top of the supports; and (c) fasteners connecting the photovoltaic modules to the supports, wherein the supports have an upper pedestal surface and a lower pedestal surface such that the photovoltaic modules are positioned at a non-horizontal angle when edges of the photovoltaic modules are positioned on top of the upper and lower pedestal surfaces, and wherein a portion of the fasteners rotate to lock the photovoltaic modules onto the supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: SolarCity Corporation
    Inventors: Jack Raymond West, Brian Atchley, Tyrus Hawkes Hudson, Emil Johansen
  • Publication number: 20150316292
    Abstract: A system and apparatus are disclosed including PV modules having a frame allowing quick and easy assembling of the PV modules into a PV array in a sturdy and durable manner. In examples of the present technology, the PV modules may have a grooved frame where the groove is provided at an angle with respect to a planar surface of the modules. Various couplings may engage within the groove to assemble the PV modules into the PV array with a pivot-fit connection. Further examples of the present technology operate with PV modules having frames without grooves, or with PV modules where the frame is omitted altogether.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2015
    Publication date: November 5, 2015
    Inventor: Jack Raymond West
  • Publication number: 20150303865
    Abstract: An imitation solar module for structural and aesthetic use in an array of electricity generating solar modules. The imitation solar module having a non-standard shape and a visual representation such as a decal of an actual solar module surface thereon. The imitation solar module includes triangular shapes for use in staggered module arrays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Publication date: October 22, 2015
    Inventors: Jack Raymond West, Alex Haines, Kyle Tripp
  • Patent number: 9166524
    Abstract: The invention includes an apparatus for mounting a photovoltaic (PV) module on a structure where the apparatus includes a base portion, a stud portion, and a coupling portion. The coupling portion includes a male portion that acts as a spring under load and a clip portion that penetrates the PV module frame to create a grounding bond. The apparatus includes a lower jaw, shaped to pry open a groove, and a key portion that can compress to allow for tolerances. The invention further includes a clip with one or more tabs and one or more teeth. The invention further includes a replacement roof tile which includes a support structure with a horizontal flange, a vertical component, a horizontal component, a flashing with an upper surface and a lower surface, and a tile-shaped metal surface having a curvilinear shape that reflects the shapes of adjacent tiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: SolarCity Corporation
    Inventors: Jack Raymond West, Brian Atchley, Tyrus Hawkes Hudson, Emil Johansen
  • Patent number: 9154074
    Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) module framing and coupling system enables the attachment of PV modules to a roof or other mounting surface without requiring the use of separate structural support members which attach directly to and span between multiple PV modules in a formed PV array. The apparatus provides a parallel coupling for securely interlocking the outside surfaces of parallel frame members together in a side to side arrangement to form an array with improved structural load distribution. The coupling may attach to a slot in the frame at substantially any position along the length of the frame thereby enabling the interconnection of adjacent PV modules along both an x and y axis. The apparatus may further provide a rotating portion and locking portion, mounting brackets for direct connection to a mounting surface, grounding teeth, and a twist-lock engagement means for interlocking and aligning PV modules in the array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: SolarCity Corporation
    Inventors: Jack Raymond West, Hans-Christoph Haenlein
  • Publication number: 20150280639
    Abstract: A photovoltaic module mounting assembly including a photovoltaic module lever lock and base portion for attaching photovoltaic modules to a roof surface. The base portion includes one or more parallel channels that provide access to one or more corresponding recesses formed in a top surface of the base portion. The lever lock includes a lobe at one end, a torque lever at the other and supports a photovoltaic module connector. The lobe is dimensioned to fit into the channel at a first orientation, and upon rotation of approximately 90 degrees, to fit into the recess at a second orientation. The module connector may support two or more photovoltaic modules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2015
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Inventors: Brian Atchley, Tyrus Hudson, David Molina, Jack Raymond West
  • Publication number: 20150222222
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for quickly and easily assembling PV modules into a PV array in a sturdy and durable manner. In examples of the present technology, the system includes various couplings having a first engaging portion adapted to engage a first PV module and a second engaging portion adapted to engage a second PV module. At least one of the engaging portions allows variable positioning of the engaged PV module along the engaging portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2015
    Publication date: August 6, 2015
    Inventor: Jack Raymond West
  • Publication number: 20150222221
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for quickly and easily assembling PV modules into a PV array in a sturdy and durable manner. In examples of the present technology, the system includes various couplings having a first engaging portion adapted to engage a first PV module and a second engaging portion adapted to engage a second PV module. At least one of the engaging portions allows variable positioning of the engaged PV module along the engaging portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2015
    Publication date: August 6, 2015
    Inventor: Jack Raymond West
  • Publication number: 20150204372
    Abstract: A system to prevent a sliding nut in a channel in a bar from escaping from the channel, and to prevent the nut from entering a no-go-zone at the end of the channel. The system is adjustable to position the nut at a desirable location along the length of the channels to mount coupling devices onto the bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2015
    Publication date: July 23, 2015
    Inventors: Jack Raymond West, Tyrus Hawkes Hudson
  • Publication number: 20150180405
    Abstract: A photovoltaic array, including: (a) supports laid out on a surface in rows and columns; (b) photovoltaic modules positioned on top of the supports; and (c) fasteners connecting the photovoltaic modules to the supports, wherein the supports have an upper pedestal surface and a lower pedestal surface such that the photovoltaic modules are positioned at a non-horizontal angle when edges of the photovoltaic modules are positioned on top of the upper and lower pedestal surfaces, and wherein a portion of the fasteners rotate to lock the photovoltaic modules onto the supports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2015
    Publication date: June 25, 2015
    Inventors: Jack Raymond West, Brian Atchley, Tyrus Hawkes Hudson, Emil Johansen
  • Patent number: 9062897
    Abstract: A method, system and apparatus are disclosed regarding an attachment system for solar equipment, sometimes referred to as a flashing device allowing quick and easy assembling of the solar equipment into an array or other combination in a sturdy and durable manner. In examples of the present technology, a flashing device may include a flashing plate which may contain one or more raised features to further direct and control the flow of liquid over the flashing plate. The flashing device may also contain a fluid restrictor such as a seal or part of a seal usually held within an aperture of a block having a skyward facing essentially or substantially flat surface. One or more various items of solar equipment may be attached to the essentially flat surface of the block. Also disclosed are adjustable mounting feet which may be installed in connection with other solar equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: Zep Solar, LLC
    Inventors: Jack Raymond West, Tyrus Hudson, David Molina, Ian Capsuto
  • Publication number: 20150155820
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for quickly and easily assembling PV modules into a PV array in a sturdy and durable manner. In examples of the present technology, the system includes various couplings having a first engaging portion adapted to engage a first PV module and a second engaging portion adapted to engage a second PV module. At least one of the engaging portions allows variable positioning of the engaged PV module along the engaging portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2015
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Inventor: Jack Raymond West
  • Publication number: 20150155823
    Abstract: The invention includes an apparatus for mounting a photovoltaic (PV) module on a structure where the apparatus includes a base portion, a stud portion, and a coupling portion. The coupling portion includes a male portion that acts as a spring under load and a clip portion that penetrates the PV module frame to create a grounding bond. The apparatus includes a lower jaw, shaped to pry open a groove, and a key portion that can compress to allow for tolerances. The invention further includes a clip with one or more tabs and one or more teeth. The invention further includes a replacement roof tile which includes a support structure with a horizontal flange, a vertical component, a horizontal component, a flashing with an upper surface and a lower surface, and a tile-shaped metal surface having a curvilinear shape that reflects the shapes of adjacent tiles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2015
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Inventors: Jack Raymond West, Brian Atchley, Tyrus Hawkes Hudson, Emil Johansen
  • Publication number: 20150155821
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for quickly and easily assembling PV modules into a PV array in a sturdy and durable manner. In examples of the present technology, the system includes various couplings having a first engaging portion adapted to engage a first PV module and a second engaging portion adapted to engage a second PV module. At least one of the engaging portions allows variable positioning of the engaged PV module along the engaging portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2015
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Inventor: Jack Raymond West
  • Patent number: D749502
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: SolarCity Corporation
    Inventors: Jack Raymond West, Tyrus Hawkes Hudson, Emil Johansen