Abstract: A method of making a photovoltaic panel includes previously preparing one or more pre-formed substrates with a first temperature and pressure to be non-planar, textured, embossed, colored, or combinations thereof. A manufacturer can then prepare a laminate assembly comprising one or more organic photovoltaic components one or more pre-formed substrates, and a barrier layer with one or more thermally-activated thermoplastic tie layers there between. The manufacturer can then finish the photovoltaic panel lamination by subjecting the assembly to a second set of temperatures and pressures sufficient to activate and bond the pre-formed substrate, barrier layer, and photovoltaic components without significantly softening the pre-formed substrates or otherwise degrading/damaging the organic photovoltaic components. A non-planar panel made by this method can be used in both exterior and interior decorative and/or structural applications where electrical generation is desired.

Abstract: Light boxes for uniformly illuminating panels include a frame that supports one or more translucent panels. The light boxes further include a light source positioned within the light box. Example light sources can include fluorescent bulbs, incandescent lights, and/or light-emitting-diodes. In at least one implementation, a manufacturer positions a relatively limited number of light sources aimed and/or positioned in a particular way to uniformly distribute light throughout the light box and evenly across the translucent panels such that there are no shadows, hot spots or other non-uniform light patterns on the translucent panels.

Abstract: Ball pivot assemblies for mounting panels to a cable regardless of panel geometry or orientation include a ball pivot. The ball pivot includes geometry configured to enable a panel to pivot about the ball pivot in a plurality of orientations in a plurality of planes with respect to the cable. One or more implementations of the present invention can include a ball socket configured to receive the ball pivot, and provide a secure interface between the ball pivot assembly and the panel. Also, systems of at least one implementation of the present invention include a plurality of panels mounted to one or more cables using one or more ball pivot assemblies. In addition, one or more implementations of the present invention include methods of mounting panels using one or more ball pivot assemblies.

Abstract: A method of making a photovoltaic panel includes previously preparing one or more pre-formed substrates with a first temperature and pressure to be non-planar, textured, embossed, colored, or combinations thereof. A manufacturer can then prepare a laminate assembly comprising one or more organic photovoltaic components one or more pre-formed substrates, and a barrier layer with one or more thermally-activated thermoplastic tie layers there between. The manufacturer can then finish the photovoltaic panel lamination by subjecting the assembly to a second set of temperatures and pressures sufficient to activate and bond the pre-formed substrate, barrier layer, and photovoltaic components without significantly softening the pre-formed substrates or otherwise degrading/damaging the organic photovoltaic components. A non-planar panel made by this method can be used in both exterior and interior decorative and/or structural applications where electrical generation is desired.

Abstract: A roller door system includes a roller assembly configured to mount directly to a panel and move along a complementary upper guide. In particular, the roller assembly can be coupled to a coupling member embedded in the panel. The roller assembly, when coupled with the panel, can provide a smooth gliding motion for the panel.

Abstract: A variable angle panel mounting system can include at least one variable-angle panel mounting member, which in turn includes an elongate support member and an angularly-adjustable mounting plate adapted to secure an end of the elongate support member to a plurality of mounting surface angles. In some embodiments, the variable angle panel mounting system may also include a pressure-fit mounting system. These components can provide the ability to angularly and vertically adjust the variable-angle panel mounting member between opposing support surfaces.

Abstract: Implementations of the present invention relate to systems, methods, and apparatus for applying heat and pressure to a laminate assembly and to form a unitary product therefrom with increased processing efficiency. One implementation includes an apparatus that can decrease processing time by directly heating and cooling platens that press the laminate assembly. Additionally, the lamination press can allow the platens to flex about the laminate assembly, thereby applying substantially uniform pressure to the laminate assembly.

Abstract: An efficient lamination presses can rapidly provide both heating and cooling, as well as pressure to resin sheets to create a laminate end-product. Specifically, an efficient lamination press can comprise one or more components and apparatus that can apply uniform fluid pressure across one or more platens. The one or more platens, in turn, can flex about one or more contours in a layup assembly. For example, an exemplary platen can comprise a plurality of coupled platen extensions, which can flex or otherwise adjust about each other to help create flexibility in the platen, and thus, uniform pressure across a laminate assembly.

Abstract: An efficient lamination presses can rapidly heat and precisely control the temperature of a laminate assembly to create final products with excellent structural and aesthetic properties. Specifically, an efficient lamination press can include a radiant heating assembly. The radiant heating assemblies can uniformly heat one or more platens using radiation. The platens in turn can comprise material having a high thermal conductivity, which can allow them to quickly transfer heat to a laminate assembly. The platens can further comprise one or more fluid channels that enable rapid cooling. The rapid heating and cooling capability can enable fast processing times for laminate panels at much lower energy levels than with conventional presses.