Patents by Inventor Brian Edward Atchley

Brian Edward Atchley 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: 11658470
    Abstract: A cable passthrough includes a first layer having a first edge and an aperture, and a second layer overlapping the first layer. The passthrough is configured to be installed on a roof deck, such that the aperture is configured to align with an aperture formed within the roof deck. The passthrough is configured to receive at least one cable having a first end and a second end. The second end of the cable is capable of extending outwardly from the first edge of the first layer and the first edge of the second layer of the passthrough. The cable is configured to be positioned intermediate the first layer and the second layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: GAF Energy LLC
    Inventors: Thierry Nguyen, Evan Wray, Duncan Cleminshaw, Ryan Lemon Devine, Jonathan Hewlett, Brian Edward Atchley
  • Publication number: 20230018614
    Abstract: A roof integrated photovoltaic system includes a starter bar having a foot base and configured to be installed to a roof deck, a plurality of water shedding layers, and a photovoltaic module. One of the plurality of water shedding layers is configured to be installed over the foot base of the starter bar, and one of another of which is configured to overlap and be installed over the one of the plurality of water shedding layers. The system further includes a foot module configured to be attached to an upper portion of the photovoltaic module. A lower portion of the photovoltaic module is configured to align with the foot base of the starter bar, and the foot module is configured to be affixed on a last overlapping layer of the plurality of water shedding layers to the roof deck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2022
    Publication date: January 19, 2023
    Inventors: Brian Edward Atchley, Peter Clemente, Nazar Dzoba, Anthony Folk, Amy Ochsenrieter, Daniel East
  • Patent number: 11451188
    Abstract: Building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems provide for solar panel arrays with improved aesthetics and efficiency that can replace a conventional roof surface structure. These BIPV systems can utilize photovoltaic PV roof tiles defined as glass tiles having photovoltaic elements embedded or incorporated into the body of the roof tile. Such PV roof tiles can include one or more lapping features for interfacing with adjacent tiles and features for electrically connecting multiples tiles within a course to an external power optimizer. Such PV roof tiles can utilize stamped glass that is stamped to define these features within an integrated glass tile and can further include texture, striations on the glass tile and/or color matched back layers or various other components to obscure visibility of any embedded solar cells and provide a more pleasing appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: Tesla, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Bernardo Almy, Brian Edward Atchley, Garret Anthony Bautista
  • Patent number: 11398795
    Abstract: A roof integrated photovoltaic system includes a starter bar having a foot base and configured to be installed to a roof deck, a plurality of water shedding layers, and a photovoltaic module. One of the plurality of water shedding layers is configured to be installed over the foot base of the starter bar, and one of another of which is configured to overlap and be installed over the one of the plurality of water shedding layers. The system further includes a foot module configured to be attached to an upper portion of the photovoltaic module. A lower portion of the photovoltaic module is configured to align with the foot base of the starter bar, and the foot module is configured to be affixed on a last overlapping layer of the plurality of water shedding layers to the roof deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: GAF Energy LLC
    Inventors: Brian Edward Atchley, Peter Clemente, Nazar Dzoba, Anthony Folk, Amy Ochsenrieter, Daniel East
  • Publication number: 20220216680
    Abstract: A cable passthrough includes a first layer having a first edge and an aperture, and a second layer overlapping the first layer. The passthrough is configured to be installed on a roof deck, such that the aperture is configured to align with an aperture formed within the roof deck. The passthrough is configured to receive at least one cable having a first end and a second end. The second end of the cable is capable of extending outwardly from the first edge of the first layer and the first edge of the second layer of the passthrough. The cable is configured to be positioned intermediate the first layer and the second layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2021
    Publication date: July 7, 2022
    Inventors: Thierry Nguyen, Evan Wray, Duncan Cleminshaw, Ryan Lemon Devine, Jonathan Hewlett, Brian Edward Atchley
  • Publication number: 20210359499
    Abstract: A cable passthrough includes a first layer having a first edge and an aperture, and a second layer overlapping the first layer. The passthrough is configured to be installed on a roof deck, such that the aperture is configured to align with an aperture formed within the roof deck. The passthrough is configured to receive at least one cable having a first end and a second end. The second end of the cable is capable of extending outwardly from the first edge of the first layer and the first edge of the second layer of the passthrough. The cable is configured to be positioned intermediate the first layer and the second layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2021
    Publication date: November 18, 2021
    Inventors: Thierry Nguyen, Evan Wray, Duncan Cleminshaw, Ryan Lemon Devine, Jonathan Hewlett, Brian Edward Atchley
  • Patent number: 11177639
    Abstract: A cable passthrough includes a first layer having a first edge and an aperture, and a second layer overlapping the first layer. The passthrough is configured to be installed on a roof deck, such that the aperture is configured to align with an aperture formed within the roof deck. The passthrough is configured to receive at least one cable having a first end and a second end. The second end of the cable is capable of extending outwardly from the first edge of the first layer and the first edge of the second layer of the passthrough. The cable is configured to be positioned intermediate the first layer and the second layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: GAF Energy LLC
    Inventors: Thierry Nguyen, Evan Wray, Duncan Cleminshaw, Ryan Lemon Devine, Jonathan Hewlett, Brian Edward Atchley
  • Publication number: 20210194411
    Abstract: A roof integrated photovoltaic system includes a starter bar having a foot base and configured to be installed to a roof deck, a plurality of water shedding layers, and a photovoltaic module. One of the plurality of water shedding layers is configured to be installed over the foot base of the starter bar, and one of another of which is configured to overlap and be installed over the one of the plurality of water shedding layers. The system further includes a foot module configured to be attached to an upper portion of the photovoltaic module. A lower portion of the photovoltaic module is configured to align with the foot base of the starter bar, and the foot module is configured to be affixed on a last overlapping layer of the plurality of water shedding layers to the roof deck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2020
    Publication date: June 24, 2021
    Inventors: Brian Edward Atchley, Peter Clemente, Nazar Dzoba, Anthony Folk, Amy Ochsenrieter, Daniel East
  • Publication number: 20200373876
    Abstract: Building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems provide for solar panel arrays with improved aesthetics and efficiency that can replace a conventional roof surface structure. These BIPV systems can utilize photovoltaic PV roof tiles defined as glass tiles having photovoltaic elements embedded or incorporated into the body of the roof tile. Such PV roof tiles can include one or more lapping features for interfacing with adjacent tiles and features for electrically connecting multiples tiles within a course to an external power optimizer. Such PV roof tiles can utilize stamped glass that is stamped to define these features within an integrated glass tile and can further include texture, striations on the glass tile and/or color matched back layers or various other components to obscure visibility of any embedded solar cells and provide a more pleasing appearance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2020
    Publication date: November 26, 2020
    Inventors: Charles Bernardo ALMY, Brian Edward ATCHLEY, Garret Anthony BAUTISTA
  • Patent number: 10790777
    Abstract: Building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems provide for solar panel arrays that can be aesthetically pleasing to an observer. BIPV systems can be incorporated as part of roof surfaces as built into the structure of the roof, particularly as roofing modules that have photovoltaic elements embedded or incorporated into the body of the module, in distinct tiles-sized areas. The use of modules that replicate the look of individual roofing tiles (or shingles) can lead to a more efficient installation process. Further, modules can include flexible joints between the distinct tiles-sized areas, across which solar cells within the module are electrically connected. The flexibility granted to the modules also makes installation easier, and further improves the fatigue and strain resistance of the overall solar array for its operational life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: Tesla, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Edward Atchley, Andreas Meisel, Daniel Preston Flanigan, Tyrus Hawkes Hudson
  • Patent number: 10778139
    Abstract: Building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems provide for solar panel arrays with improved aesthetics and efficiency that can replace a conventional roof surface structure. These BIPV systems can utilize photovoltaic PV roof tiles defined as glass tiles having photovoltaic elements embedded or incorporated into the body of the roof tile. Such PV roof tiles can include one or more lapping features for interfacing with adjacent tiles and features for electrically connecting multiples tiles within a course to an external power optimizer. Such PV roof tiles can utilize stamped glass that is stamped to define these features within an integrated glass tile and can further include texture, striations on the glass tile and/or color matched back layers or various other components to obscure visibility of any embedded solar cells and provide a more pleasing appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Tesla, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Bernardo Almy, Brian Edward Atchley, Garret Anthony Bautista
  • Patent number: 10742165
    Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) module sub-circuit for an energy generation system includes a plurality of PV sub-modules coupled together via external cables, the plurality of PV sub-modules includes a first PV sub-module and a second PV sub-module, a negative output terminal coupled to the first PV sub-module, a positive output terminal coupled to the second PV sub-module, and a plurality of connectors external to the PV sub-modules and coupling the PV sub-modules together to form the PV module sub-circuit. The sub-circuit further includes a bypass mechanism including a first terminal coupled to only the negative output terminal and the first PV sub-module, and a second terminal coupled to only the positive output terminal and the second PV sub-module, the bypass mechanism configured to prevent current flow in a first direction and allow current flow in a second direction opposite of the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: SolarCity Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Edward Atchley, David Molina, Steve Pisklak, Johann Fritz Karkheck, Greg Ball
  • Publication number: 20190058436
    Abstract: Building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems provide for solar panel arrays that can be aesthetically pleasing to an observer. BIPV systems can be incorporated as part of roof surfaces as built into the structure of the roof, particularly as roofing modules that have photovoltaic elements embedded or incorporated into the body of the module, in distinct tiles-sized areas. The use of modules that replicate the look of individual roofing tiles (or shingles) can lead to a more efficient installation process. Further, modules can include flexible joints between the distinct tiles-sized areas, across which solar cells within the module are electrically connected. The flexibility granted to the modules also makes installation easier, and further improves the fatigue and strain resistance of the overall solar array for its operational life.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2017
    Publication date: February 21, 2019
    Inventors: Brian Edward Atchley, Andreas Meisel, Daniel Preston Flanigan, Tyrus Hawkes Hudson
  • Publication number: 20190020306
    Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) module sub-circuit for an energy generation system includes a plurality of PV sub-modules coupled together via external cables, the plurality of PV sub-modules includes a first PV sub-module and a second PV sub-module, a negative output terminal coupled to the first PV sub-module, a positive output terminal coupled to the second PV sub-module, and a plurality of connectors external to the PV sub-modules and coupling the PV sub-modules together to form the PV module sub-circuit. The sub-circuit further includes a bypass mechanism including a first terminal coupled to only the negative output terminal and the first PV sub-module, and a second terminal coupled to only the positive output terminal and the second PV sub-module, the bypass mechanism configured to prevent current flow in a first direction and allow current flow in a second direction opposite of the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2017
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Inventors: Brian Edward Atchley, David Molina, Steve Pisklak, Johann Fritz Karkheck, Greg Ball
  • Publication number: 20180130921
    Abstract: Building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems provide for solar panel arrays that can be aesthetically pleasing and appear seamless to an observer. Micro louvered structures can be incorporated into photovoltaic (PV) stacks, such that light entering a PV stack that is reflected off of embedded solar cells is not directed out at angles at which a typical observer would normally view the PV stack or roof on which a solar array is installed. Further, portions of the micro louvered structures can be coated with reflective, refractive, dielectric, and/or colored films such that underlying solar cells within the PV stack are obscured from the sightlines of a typical observer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2017
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Inventors: Alex Christopher Mayer, Brian Edward Atchley, Andreas Meisel
  • Publication number: 20180123504
    Abstract: Building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems provide for solar panel arrays with improved aesthetics and efficiency that can replace a conventional roof surface structure. These BIPV systems can utilize photovoltaic PV roof tiles defined as glass tiles having photovoltaic elements embedded or incorporated into the body of the roof tile. Such PV roof tiles can include one or more lapping features for interfacing with adjacent tiles and features for electrically connecting multiples tiles within a course to an external power optimizer. Such PV roof tiles can utilize stamped glass that is stamped to define these features within an integrated glass tile and can further include texture, striations on the glass tile and/or color matched back layers or various other components to obscure visibility of any embedded solar cells and provide a more pleasing appearance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2017
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventors: Charles Bernardo Almy, Brian Edward Atchley, Garret Anthony Bautista
  • Patent number: 9353973
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus by which solar energy may be collected to provide electricity or a combination of heat and electricity are disclosed herein. Examples of solar energy receivers are disclosed that may be used to collect concentrated solar radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: SunPower Corporation
    Inventors: Gilad Almogy, Ratson Morad, Radu Constantin Raduta, Brian Edward Atchley, Joseph Isaac Lichy, Amir Arie Weiss
  • Publication number: 20140216523
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus by which solar energy may be collected to provide electricity or a combination of heat and electricity are disclosed herein. Examples of solar energy receivers are disclosed that may be used to collect concentrated solar radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: Cogenra Solar, Inc.
    Inventors: Gilad ALMOGY, Ratson MORAD, Radu Constantin RADUTA, Brian Edward ATCHLEY, Joseph Isaac LICHY, Amir Arie WEISS
  • Publication number: 20110271999
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus by which solar energy may be collected to provide electricity or a combination of heat and electricity are disclosed herein. Examples of solar energy receivers are disclosed that may be used to collect concentrated solar radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: Cogenra Solar, Inc.
    Inventors: Gilad ALMOGY, Ratson Morad, Radu Constantin Raduta, Brian Edward Atchley, Joseph Isaac Lichy, Amir Arie Weiss
  • Publication number: 20110114154
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus by which solar energy may be collected to provide electricity or a combination of heat and electricity are disclosed herein. Examples of solar energy receivers are disclosed that may be used to collect concentrated solar radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: Cogenra Solar, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Isaac LICHY, Brian Edward Atchley, Ratson Morad, Gilad Almogy, Adam Brian Reich, John Lawler, Nathan Phillips Beckett