Patents by Inventor Phillip Charles Gilchrist

Phillip Charles Gilchrist 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: 20170373635
    Abstract: Photovoltaic (PV) assemblies and modules comprising electronic component docking assemblies are described herein. Docking assemblies can comprise a junction box and an electronic component housing configured to be reversibly connected or “docked.” The photovoltaic assemblies and modules described herein facilitate field replacement or removal of electronic components e.g. microinverters from a corresponding module and/or junction box. Additionally, the photovoltaic docking assemblies described herein enable PV modules and arrays with minimal cables and wiring for electrical interconnection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Julian Perez, Phillip Charles Gilchrist
  • Publication number: 20160112003
    Abstract: Processes, systems, devices, and articles of manufacture are provided. Each may include adapting micro-inverters initially configured for frame-mounting to mounting on a frameless solar panel. This securement may include using an adaptive clamp or several adaptive clamps secured to a micro-inverter or its components, and using compressive forces applied directly to the solar panel to secure the adaptive clamp and the components to the solar panel. The clamps can also include compressive spacers and safeties for managing the compressive forces exerted on the solar panels. Friction zones may also be used for managing slipping between the clamp and the solar panel during or after installation. Adjustments to the clamps may be carried out through various means and by changing the physical size of the clamps themselves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Publication date: April 21, 2016
    Applicant: SunPower Corporation
    Inventors: John Morris, Phillip Charles Gilchrist
  • Patent number: 9253935
    Abstract: Processes, systems, devices, and articles of manufacture are provided. Each may include adapting micro-inverters initially configured for frame-mounting to mounting on a frameless solar panel. This securement may include using an adaptive clamp or several adaptive clamps secured to a micro-inverter or its components, and using compressive forces applied directly to the solar panel to secure the adaptive clamp and the components to the solar panel. The clamps can also include compressive spacers and safeties for managing the compressive forces exerted on the solar panels. Friction zones may also be used for managing slipping between the clamp and the solar panel during or after installation. Adjustments to the clamps may be carried out through various means and by changing the physical size of the clamps themselves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: SunPower Corporation
    Inventors: John Morris, Phillip Charles Gilchrist
  • Publication number: 20140168927
    Abstract: Processes, systems, devices, and articles of manufacture are provided. Each may include adapting micro-inverters initially configured for frame-mounting to mounting on a frameless solar panel. This securement may include using an adaptive clamp or several adaptive clamps secured to a micro-inverter or its components, and using compressive forces applied directly to the solar panel to secure the adaptive clamp and the components to the solar panel. The clamps can also include compressive spacers and safeties for managing the compressive forces exerted on the solar panels. Friction zones may also be used for managing slipping between the clamp and the solar panel during or after installation. Adjustments to the clamps may be carried out through various means and by changing the physical size of the clamps themselves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: SolarBridge Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John Morris, Phillip Charles Gilchrist