Patents Assigned to BRIGHTLEAF TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
  • Patent number: 9692352
    Abstract: A solar array for collecting sunlight that is converted into electricity. The array includes an arrangement of solar collectors strategically positioned on a frame to maximize the amount of sunlight collected in relation to the size of the array. The collectors are plate like members with a reflective side and shaped so that sunlight collected by the reflective side is concentrated at a location away from the reflective side. The collectors are recumbently positioned in rows with their respective reflective sides directed away from the array frame. The collectors are spaced apart so that no collector casts shade on any part of another collector and substantially no sunlight between adjacent collectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: BRIGHTLEAF TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: James E. Vander Mey, Douglas Helff Kiesewetter, Shane Mark Duckworth
  • Patent number: 9568218
    Abstract: An array of solar collectors track the sun based on measured values of power output from the array and from a sun sensor on the array. The sun is tracked by periodically adjusting the altitude and azimuth of the array so the collectors remain pointed at the sun to maximize an amount of solar flux reflected from the collectors. The sun sensor, which detects alignment of the sun, recognizes when relative movement of the sun causes about a 10% reduction in power output of the array. The altitude and azimuth of the array are readjusted based on output from the sun sensor. While the array is being reoriented, power output from the array is monitored, and values for power output versus orientation of the array are recorded. Offset values between the power output, sun sensor output, and the ephemeral equations are calculated by comparing these values during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: BRIGHTLEAF TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Craig Hollabaugh
  • Patent number: 9231142
    Abstract: A solar conversion system with a solar collector that is shaped to focus reflected sunlight along an area with a substantially constant flux density. The area shape can be resemble a rectangular, square, circular, or other shape. Included with the system is a solar conversion module having a photovoltaic cell that is alignable with the area. The cell converts the focused reflected sunlight into electrical energy when aligned with the area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: BRIGHTLEAF TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: James E. Vander Mey, Douglas Helff Kiesewetter, Jr., Shane Mark Duckworth
  • Patent number: 9231143
    Abstract: A solar conversion system with a solar collector that is shaped to focus reflected sunlight along an area with a substantially constant flux density. The area shape can be resemble a rectangular, square, circular, or other shape. Included with the system is a solar conversion module having a photovoltaic cell that is alignable with the area. The cell converts the focused reflected sunlight into electrical energy when aligned with the area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: BRIGHTLEAF TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: James E. Vander Mey, Doug Helff Kiesewetter, Jr., Shane Mark Duckworth
  • Patent number: 9224898
    Abstract: A solar energy collection system for converting solar energy to electricity that includes solar arrays mounted on a frame. Each array is set on a tracker head that is supported on a pedestal; each pedestal mounts onto a beam. Elevators pivot the arrays, where each elevator is made up of a shaft with a threaded end coupled to a drive nut. An upper end of each drive nut gimbal mounts to a portion of the tracker head; rotating a lower end of each shaft raises or lowers the drive nut, thereby pivoting each array. The vertical shafts are ganged together and driven by a single motor. Further included with each pedestal are azimuth orientation shafts that also mount to each tracker head. Rotating each orientation shaft adjusts an azimuth of an associated array. The orientation shafts are ganged together and are rotated by a single motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: BRIGHTLEAF TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: James P. Crimmins, Peter Young, Douglas Kiesewetter
  • Publication number: 20140137924
    Abstract: An array of solar collectors track the sun based on measured values of power output from the array and from a sun sensor on the array. The sun is tracked by periodically adjusting the altitude and azimuth of the array so the collectors remain pointed at the sun to maximize an amount of solar flux reflected from the collectors. The sun sensor, which detects alignment of the sun, recognizes when relative movement of the sun causes about a 10% reduction in power output of the array. The altitude and azimuth of the array are readjusted based on output from the sun sensor. While the array is being reoriented, power output from the array is monitored, and values for power output versus orientation of the array are recorded. Offset values between the power output, sun sensor output, and the ephemeral equations are calculated by comparing these values during operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: BRIGHTLEAF TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Craig Hollabaugh
  • Publication number: 20130263914
    Abstract: A solar energy collection system for converting solar energy to electricity that includes solar arrays mounted on a frame. Each array is set on a tracker head that is supported on a pedestal; each pedestal mounts onto a beam. Elevators pivot the arrays, where each elevator is made up of a shaft with a threaded end coupled to a drive nut. An upper end of each drive nut gimbal mounts to a portion of the tracker head; rotating a lower end of each shaft raises or lowers the drive nut, thereby pivoting each array. The vertical shafts are ganged together and driven by a single motor. Further included with each pedestal are azimuth orientation shafts that also mount to each tracker head. Rotating each orientation shaft adjusts an azimuth of an associated array. The orientation shafts are ganged together and are rotated by a single motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: BRIGHTLEAF TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: James P. Crimmins, Peter Young, Douglas Kiesewetter
  • Publication number: 20110079268
    Abstract: A solar array for collecting sunlight that is converted into electricity. The array includes an arrangement of solar collectors strategically positioned on a frame to maximize the amount of sunlight collected in relation to the size of the array. The collectors are plate like members with a reflective side and shaped so that sunlight collected by the reflective side is concentrated at a location away from the reflective side. The collectors are recumbently positioned in rows with their respective reflective sides directed away from the array frame. The collectors are spaced apart so that no collector casts shade on any part of another collector and substantially no sunlight between adjacent collectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Applicant: BRIGHTLEAF TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: James E. Vander Mey, Douglas Helff Kiesewetter, JR., Shane Mark Duckworth
  • Publication number: 20110079269
    Abstract: A solar conversion system with a solar collector that is shaped to focus reflected sunlight along an area with a substantially constant flux density. The area shape can be resemble a rectangular, square, circular, or other shape. Included with the system is a solar conversion module having a photovoltaic cell that is alignable with the area. The cell converts the focused reflected sunlight into electrical energy when aligned with the area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Applicant: BRIGHTLEAF TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: James E. Vander Mey, Douglas Helff Kiesewetter, JR., Shane Mark Duckworth