Abstract: A system and method for threading a torque tube through an opening within a U-bolt and module rail device is described. The system and method provide aligned horizontal movement of the torque tube across an assembly frame resulting in the torque tube being threaded through a plurality of U-bolt and module rail devices. After the threading process is complete, the threaded U-bolt and module rail devices are secured in place on the torque tube to allow coupling of solar panels to the module rails.

Abstract: A solar module crate transport is described that securely moves a solar module crate within a large-scale solar system. The solar module crate transport comprises an angled base, at least three vertical support structures, at least one vehicle receptacle and at least one monitoring device. The at least one monitoring device may provide a variety of monitoring functionality that allows remote monitoring of an installation location within the large-scale solar system. This monitoring allows visibility into resources, including solar modules, and personnel at an installation location within the large-scale solar system.

Abstract: A clamp is described that couples a torque tube and at least one solar panel within a solar table. The clamp provides an efficient attachment when in a closed position that allows transportation of the solar table from a centralized assembly location to an installation point within a large-scale solar system. The clamp further provides an efficient process solar table mobile transport is described that moves a solar table to a point of installation. The clamp may be efficiently opened by personnel at the installation point to enable access to a section of the torque tube.

Abstract: A solar table assembly unit is described that facilitates assembly of a plurality of solar tables in a location remote from a plurality of installation points within a solar system. The assembly unit comprises at least one vertical support structures that is coupled to a central support structure, an upper rail and a lower rail. The central support structure supports a torque tube having a plurality of coupling points. The upper and lower rails allow movement of solar components, such as solar panels, relative to the coupling points. Assembled solar tables may be moved to a mobile transport for subsequent delivery to installation points within the solar system.

Abstract: A solar table mobile transport is described that moves a solar table to a point of installation. The solar table mobile transport comprises multiple motors that allow movement within a three-dimensional coordinate system as well as provide angular controls of pitch, yaw and roll. These motors enable at least one alignment process used to install the solar table to a mounting structure within a solar system.

Abstract: A system for centralized assembly and installation of large-scale solar systems is described. Embodiments of the invention transition the prior art approach of solar table assembly and installation at single location sites to a centralized and coordinated assembly factory that allows a more cost-effective and dynamic process of constructing large-scale solar systems. Additionally, embodiments of the invention provide an improved process of resource and personnel management during the construction process that improves cost and efficiency as conditions change at the construction site.

Abstract: A preform-charge fixture creates a preform charge, which is a partially consolidated assemblage of preforms that can be efficiently transferred to a mold to create a finished part in a molding process, such as compression molding. In the illustrative embodiment, the preform-charge fixture includes peripheral cleats that are movable towards a central cleat to create a small gap therebetween that receives and constrains preforms in a desired position. The fixture also includes clamps, which are operable to engage an uppermost layer of preforms in the gap and apply a slight amount of downward pressure thereto to assure that the preforms are properly seated. The fixture also accommodates an energy source that heats the preforms so that, in conjunction with downforce applied by the clamps and/or gravity, the preforms can be tacked together, forming the preform charge.

Abstract: A preform-charge fixture creates a preform charge, which is a partially consolidated assemblage of preforms that can be efficiently transferred to a mold to create a finished part in a molding process, such as compression molding. In the illustrative embodiment, the preform-charge fixture includes peripheral cleats that are movable towards a central cleat to create a small gap therebetween that receives and constrains preforms in a desired position. The fixture also includes clamps, which are operable to engage an uppermost layer of preforms in the gap and apply a slight amount of downward pressure thereto to assure that the preforms are properly seated. The fixture also accommodates an energy source that heats the preforms so that, in conjunction with downforce applied by the clamps and/or gravity, the preforms can be tacked together, forming the preform charge.

Abstract: An enclosure for an imaging device. In one embodiment, the enclosure includes a housing with a transparent window. A shutter mechanism is disposed on the housing and transparent window, and includes an opening formed therein. A shutter covers and uncovers the opening. Further, a gas supplying unit supplies gas to a space between the housing and the shutter mechanism. In another embodiment, the enclosure includes an inner housing with a transparent window, and an outer housing overlapping the inner housing and with an opening formed therein. A driving unit moves the opening along a predetermined path over the transparent window. A gas supplying unit supplies gas to the outer. In yet another embodiment, the enclosure includes inner and outer housings each having an opening formed therein. A rotating unit rotates one of the inner and outer housings, and a gas supplying unit supplies gas to the inner housing.

Abstract: An enclosure for an imaging device. In one embodiment, the enclosure includes a housing with a transparent window. A shutter mechanism is disposed on the housing and transparent window, and includes an opening formed therein. A shutter covers and uncovers the opening. Further, a gas supplying unit supplies gas to a space between the housing and the shutter mechanism. In another embodiment, the enclosure includes an inner housing with a transparent window, and an outer housing overlapping the inner housing and with an opening formed therein. A driving unit moves the opening along a predetermined path over the transparent window. A gas supplying unit supplies gas to the outer. In yet another embodiment, the enclosure includes inner and outer housings each having an opening formed therein. A rotating unit rotates one of the inner and outer housings, and a gas supplying unit supplies gas to the inner housing.