Patents by Inventor Johann Karkheck

Johann Karkheck 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).

  • Patent number: 10615739
    Abstract: An A-frame-shaped truss foundation system for a single-axis tracker with a bearing assembly sitting atop a pair of adjacent angled truss legs joined together with an adapter so that the axis of rotation of the tracker is aligned with a work point of the A-frame. Several such foundation systems are arranged along a North-South row to support a tracker torque tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Ojjo, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack West, David Mar, Charles Almy, Tyrus Hudson, Johann Karkheck, Kathryn Pesce
  • Publication number: 20200072505
    Abstract: A two-piece truss leg with an articulating coupler for an A-frame-shaped truss foundation system for single-axis trackers. The coupler is attached to the head of each screw anchor to enable it to be driven. A connection portion extends above the coupler and is received within an open end of an upper leg to allow the upper leg to be misaligned with respect to it corresponding screw anchor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2019
    Publication date: March 5, 2020
    Inventors: Tyrus Hudson, Johann Karkheck, Charles Almy, Jack West
  • Publication number: 20200076354
    Abstract: An A-frame-shaped truss foundation system for a single-axis tracker with a bearing assembly sitting atop a pair of adjacent angled truss legs joined together with an adapter so that the axis of rotation of the tracker is aligned with a work point of the A-frame. Several such foundation systems are arranged along a North-South row to support a tracker torque tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2019
    Publication date: March 5, 2020
    Inventors: Jack West, David Mar, Charles Almy, Tyrus Hudson, Johann Karkheck, Kathryn Pesce
  • Publication number: 20200032831
    Abstract: A machine for rotary driving screw anchors into underlying ground and related. The machine has a mast with a rotary driver and a mandrel driver oriented on a common axis. The mandrel driver passes a mandrel through the rotary driver and the screw anchor to allow the mandrel to be actuated ahead of the screw anchor while the rotary driver drives the screw anchor into the ground. Alternatively, the mandrel driver may also drive a hammering drill through the screw anchor to clear a path ahead of it through subsurface rocks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Applicant: Ojjo, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Almy, Johann Karkheck, Tyrus Hudson, David Warner, Jack West, David Mar
  • Patent number: 10323418
    Abstract: A vent cap assembly for use with a drain waste vent pipe under roof-mounted photovoltaic (PV) panels is provided. Such vent cap assemblies are adapted to fit over a cut-down roof vent pipe to maintain airflow from the vent pipe and prevent debris from entering the pipe. Vent cap assemblies can include a cap portion and a mounting bracket, the cap portion having an inner cavity accessed through an opening in an underside of the cap and the mounting bracket having one or more inwardly extending elongate members for engaging an outer surface of the vent pipe to secure the cap assembly to the pipe. The mounting bracket can include multiple inwardly extending tabs distributed about the bracket that laterally deflect and securely engage the vent pipe when the cap assembly is pressed onto the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: SolarCity Corporation
    Inventors: Johann Karkheck, Brian Atchley
  • Patent number: 10063185
    Abstract: Systems and methods for assembling and wiring photovoltaic arrays are provided. The wiring systems can include retractable wires included in photovoltaic modules that may be extended during installation of photovoltaic modules in the array to connect to wires of adjacent photovoltaic modules, which can retract into a tightened position under the array as the installation is completed. The wires may be made retractable by wire retraction mechanisms mounted to a frame of the photovoltaic module, which maintain a desired tension on the wires of the photovoltaic module. The wire retraction mechanism may include springs that urge components connected to the wire to rotate a particular direction so as to maintain tension on the wire. The wiring systems may also have wire guides to keep the wires accessible for installation and adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: SolarCity Corporation
    Inventors: Tyrus Hudson, Johann Karkheck, Brian Atchley, River Broussard
  • Patent number: 9879430
    Abstract: Roof-mounted venting devices adapted for use with roof mounted photovoltaic (PV) panels are 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 having a raised portion for accommodating any residual flashing or roofing debris. Such replacement flashing may further include a hood portion with one or more vent openings to allow airflow into and out from the interior of 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: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: SOLARCITY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jack Raymond West, Brian Atchley, Johann Karkheck
  • Patent number: 9869095
    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: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: SolarCity Corporation
    Inventors: Jack Raymond West, Brian Atchley, Johann Karkheck
  • Publication number: 20160308489
    Abstract: Systems and methods for assembling and wiring photovoltaic arrays are provided. The wiring systems can include retractable wires included in photovoltaic modules that may be extended during installation of photovoltaic modules in the array to connect to wires of adjacent photovoltaic modules, which can retract into a tightened position under the array as the installation is completed. The wires may be made retractable by wire retraction mechanisms mounted to a frame of the photovoltaic module, which maintain a desired tension on the wires of the photovoltaic module. The wire retraction mechanism may include springs that urge components connected to the wire to rotate a particular direction so as to maintain tension on the wire. The wiring systems may also have wire guides to keep the wires accessible for installation and adjustment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2015
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Tyrus Hudson, Johann Karkheck, Brian Atchley, River Broussard
  • Publication number: 20160102460
    Abstract: Roof-mounted venting devices adapted for use with roof mounted photovoltaic (PV) panels are 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 having a raised portion for accommodating any residual flashing or roofing debris. Such replacement flashing may further include a hood portion with one or more vent openings to allow airflow into and out from the interior of 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: October 13, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventors: Jack Raymond West, Brian Atchley, Johann Karkheck
  • Publication number: 20160102885
    Abstract: A vent cap assembly for use with a drain waste vent pipe under roof-mounted photovoltaic (PV) panels is provided. Such vent cap assemblies are adapted to fit over a cut-down roof vent pipe to maintain airflow from the vent pipe and prevent debris from entering the pipe. Vent cap assemblies can include a cap portion and a mounting bracket, the cap portion having an inner cavity accessed through an opening in an underside of the cap and the mounting bracket having one or more inwardly extending elongate members for engaging an outer surface of the vent pipe to secure the cap assembly to the pipe. The mounting bracket can include multiple inwardly extending tabs distributed about the bracket that laterally deflect and securely engage the vent pipe when the cap assembly is pressed onto the pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventors: Johann Karkheck, Brian Atchley
  • 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