Patents by Inventor Brian S. Wares
Brian S. Wares 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).
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Publication number: 20230412118Abstract: Mounting components of photovoltaic (PV) modules and PV module assemblies are described, including PV module couplings and PV module mounting chassis. In an example, a PV module includes a PV module coupling having a toe portion extending from a PV module frame, and a PV module mounting chassis includes a toe slot to receive the toe. The toe and toe slot construction allows for the PV module frame to be assembled to the PV module mounting chassis without using tools, and thus, permits a PV module assembly to be quickly constructed during installation of a PV module system. Furthermore, the toe and toe slot construction accommodates thermal expansion and other environmental loads seen after installation, while providing a grounding connection for the PV module assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2023Publication date: December 21, 2023Applicant: TotalEnergies OneTechInventors: Brian S. Wares, Vicent Ripoll Agullo, Tyler Grushkowitz
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Publication number: 20230055522Abstract: Reconfigurable PV panels can have features that include cut lines for separating full panels into smaller subpanels, connector ribbons for assembling several reconfigurable PV panels into a one-dimensional or two-dimensional array and can be stacked upon each other and unstacked by rotating them about a shared connection.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2022Publication date: February 23, 2023Applicant: SunPower CorporationInventors: Zachary S. Judkins, David C. Okawa, Brian S. Wares, Tamir Lance, Patrick L. Chapman
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Patent number: 11495698Abstract: Reconfigurable PV panels can have features that include cut lines for separating full panels into smaller subpanels, connector ribbons for assembling several reconfigurable PV panels into a one-dimensional or two-dimensional array and can be stacked upon each other and unstacked by rotating them about a shared connection.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2019Date of Patent: November 8, 2022Assignee: SunPower CorporationInventors: Zachary S. Judkins, David C. Okawa, Brian S. Wares, Tamir Lance, Patrick L. Chapman
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Publication number: 20210126577Abstract: Mounting components of photovoltaic (PV) modules and PV module assemblies are described, including PV module couplings and PV module mounting chassis. In an example, a PV module includes a PV module coupling having a toe portion extending from a PV module frame, and a PV module mounting chassis includes a toe slot to receive the toe. The toe and toe slot construction allows for the PV module frame to be assembled to the PV module mounting chassis without using tools, and thus, permits a PV module assembly to be quickly constructed during installation of a PV module system. Furthermore, the toe and toe slot construction accommodates thermal expansion and other environmental loads seen after installation, while providing a grounding connection for the PV module assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2021Publication date: April 29, 2021Inventors: Brian S. Wares, Vicent Ripoll Agullo, Tyler Grushkowitz
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Patent number: 10917040Abstract: Mounting components of photovoltaic (PV) modules and PV module assemblies are described, including PV module couplings and PV module mounting chassis. In an example, a PV module includes a PV module coupling having a toe portion extending from a PV module frame, and a PV module mounting chassis includes a toe slot to receive the toe. The toe and toe slot construction allows for the PV module frame to be assembled to the PV module mounting chassis without using tools, and thus, permits a PV module assembly to be quickly constructed during installation of a PV module system. Furthermore, the toe and toe slot construction accommodates thermal expansion and other environmental loads seen after installation, while providing a grounding connection for the PV module assembly.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2018Date of Patent: February 9, 2021Assignee: SunPower CorporationInventors: Brian S. Wares, Vicent Ripoll Agullo, Tyler Grushkowitz
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Publication number: 20190312159Abstract: Reconfigurable PV panels can have features that include cut lines for separating full panels into smaller subpanels, connector ribbons for assembling several reconfigurable PV panels into a one-dimensional or two-dimensional array and can be stacked upon each other and unstacked by rotating them about a shared connection.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2019Publication date: October 10, 2019Applicant: SunPower CorporationInventors: Zachary S. Judkins, David C. Okawa, Brian S. Wares, Tamir Lance, Patrick L. Chapman
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Publication number: 20190219196Abstract: Cable management devices for use in photovoltaic (PV) module systems are described, including a cable support clip, a cable support stand, and a cable support tray. The cable management devices may be easily mounted on support surfaces, e.g., a roof or a frame rail, to lock electrical wiring in place and prevent contact with external structures. Furthermore, the cable management devices may be fabricated from low-cost and weather-resistant materials, e.g., spring wire or recycled automobile tires.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2019Publication date: July 18, 2019Inventors: Vicent Ripoll Agullo, Brian S. Wares, Tyler Grushkowitz
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Publication number: 20190097574Abstract: Mounting components of photovoltaic (PV) modules and PV module assemblies are described, including PV module couplings and PV module mounting chassis. In an example, a PV module includes a PV module coupling having a toe portion extending from a PV module frame, and a PV module mounting chassis includes a toe slot to receive the toe. The toe and toe slot construction allows for the PV module frame to be assembled to the PV module mounting chassis without using tools, and thus, permits a PV module assembly to be quickly constructed during installation of a PV module system. Furthermore, the toe and toe slot construction accommodates thermal expansion and other environmental loads seen after installation, while providing a grounding connection for the PV module assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2018Publication date: March 28, 2019Inventors: Brian S. Wares, Vicent Ripoll Agullo, Tyler Grushkowitz
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Patent number: 10171027Abstract: Mounting components of photovoltaic (PV) modules and PV module assemblies are described, including PV module couplings and PV module mounting chassis. In an example, a PV module includes a PV module coupling having a toe portion extending from a PV module frame, and a PV module mounting chassis includes a toe slot to receive the toe. The toe and toe slot construction allows for the PV module frame to be assembled to the PV module mounting chassis without using tools, and thus, permits a PV module assembly to be quickly constructed during installation of a PV module system. Furthermore, the toe and toe slot construction accommodates thermal expansion and other environmental loads seen after installation, while providing a grounding connection for the PV module assembly.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2015Date of Patent: January 1, 2019Assignee: SunPower CorporationInventors: Brian S. Wares, Vicent Ripoll Agullo, Tyler Grushkowitz
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Patent number: 9998064Abstract: A solar energy collection system can include improved mounting hardware for reducing hardware costs and labor required for assembly. For example, mounting hardware can include surfaces for supporting part or all of the weight of a solar module as it is brought into contact with mounting hardware and then moved into a final engaged position. In some systems, a torque tube can include saddle mount assemblies that allow a solar module to be partially engaged and a registered with the saddle mount while being pivoted into a final locked engagement. Some systems can include arrangements sufficient to support the full weight of a solar module in a disengaged position, and as it is moved into a final engaged position. Some systems can include a configuration of apertures and interference or snap-fit features for providing tool-less connections, thereby simplifying the assembly process.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2015Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: SUNPOWER CORPORATIONInventors: Brian S. Wares, Tyler Grushkowitz, Nicholas McKibben
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Publication number: 20160261227Abstract: Mounting components of photovoltaic (PV) modules and PV module assemblies are described, including PV module couplings and PV module mounting chassis. In an example, a PV module includes a PV module coupling having a toe portion extending from a PV module frame, and a PV module mounting chassis includes a toe slot to receive the toe. The toe and toe slot construction allows for the PV module frame to be assembled to the PV module mounting chassis without using tools, and thus, permits a PV module assembly to be quickly constructed during installation of a PV module system. Furthermore, the toe and toe slot construction accommodates thermal expansion and other environmental loads seen after installation, while providing a grounding connection for the PV module assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2015Publication date: September 8, 2016Inventors: Brian S. Wares, Vicent Ripoll Agullo, Tyler Grushkowitz
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Publication number: 20160258554Abstract: Cable management devices for use in photovoltaic (PV) module systems are described, including a cable support clip, a cable support stand, and a cable support tray. The cable management devices may be easily mounted on support surfaces, e.g., a roof or a frame rail, to lock electrical wiring in place and prevent contact with external structures. Furthermore, the cable management devices may be fabricated from low-cost and weather-resistant materials, e.g., spring wire or recycled automobile tires.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2015Publication date: September 8, 2016Inventors: Vicent Ripoll Agullo, Brian S. Wares, Tyler Grushkowitz
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Publication number: 20160195303Abstract: A sun-tracking solar drive of a solar energy system can include mounting hardware supporting the solar drive with support components of the same type of that used for supporting other components of system. The support components can be in the form of pile driven members, which optionally can be connected together for sharing the loads associated with the solar drive. The solar drive can be mounted to the support components with an adjustable mount member, configured to allow an orientation of the solar drive to be adjusted.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2015Publication date: July 7, 2016Inventors: Matthew Lambert, Brian S. Wares, Vicent Ripoll Agullo, Tyler Grushkowitz
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Publication number: 20160028345Abstract: A solar energy collection system can include improved mounting hardware for reducing hardware costs and labor required for assembly. For example, mounting hardware can include surfaces for supporting part or all of the weight of a solar module as it is brought into contact with mounting hardware and then moved into a final engaged position. In some systems, a torque tube can include saddle mount assemblies that allow a solar module to be partially engaged and a registered with the saddle mount while being pivoted into a final locked engagement. Some systems can include arrangements sufficient to support the full weight of a solar module in a disengaged position, and as it is moved into a final engaged position. Some systems can include a configuration of apertures and interference or snap-fit features for providing tool-less connections, thereby simplifying the assembly process.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2015Publication date: January 28, 2016Inventors: Brian S. Wares, Tyler Grushkowitz, Nicholas McKibben
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Patent number: 9184324Abstract: A solar energy collection system can include improved mounting hardware for reducing hardware costs and labor required for assembly. For example, mounting hardware can include surfaces for supporting part or all of the weight of a solar module as it is brought into contact with mounting hardware and then moved into a final engaged position. In some systems, a torque tube can include saddle mount assemblies that allow a solar module to be partially engaged and a registered with the saddle mount while being pivoted into a final locked engagement. Some systems can include arrangements sufficient to support the full weight of a solar module in a disengaged position, and as it is moved into a final engaged position. Some systems can include a configuration of apertures and interference or snap-fit features for providing tool-less connections, thereby simplifying the assembly process.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2013Date of Patent: November 10, 2015Assignee: SunPower CorporationInventors: Brian S. Wares, Tyler Grushkowitz, Nicholas McKibben
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Publication number: 20150187975Abstract: A solar energy collection system can include improved mounting hardware for reducing hardware costs and labor required for assembly. For example, mounting hardware can include surfaces for supporting part or all of the weight of a solar module as it is brought into contact with mounting hardware and then moved into a final engaged position. In some systems, a torque tube can include saddle mount assemblies that allow a solar module to be partially engaged and a registered with the saddle mount while being pivoted into a final locked engagement. Some systems can include arrangements sufficient to support the full weight of a solar module in a disengaged position, and as it is moved into a final engaged position. Some systems can include a configuration of apertures and interference or snap-fit features for providing tool-less connections, thereby simplifying the assembly process.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2013Publication date: July 2, 2015Applicant: SUNPOWER CORPORATIONInventors: Brian S. Wares, Tyler Grushkowitz, Nicholas McKibben
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Patent number: 9038421Abstract: A sag-bending glass sheet mold is disclosed. The sheet mold comprises a plurality of lateral support members, a plurality of longitudinal support members arranged perpendicular to the lateral support members, each of the plurality of lateral support members extending between two of the plurality of longitudinal support members, each of the plurality of longitudinal support members having an upper surface, and the upper surfaces of each of the plurality of longitudinal support members combined to form a mold support surface. The sheet mold can also comprise a glass-bearing support sheet disposed atop the mold support surface, the glass-bearing support sheet extending across the plurality of longitudinal support members and above the lateral support members, the glass-bearing support sheet having a curved upper surface.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2011Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: SUNPOWER CORPORATIONInventors: Amine Berrada Sounni, Brian S. Wares
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Patent number: 8822812Abstract: One embodiment relates to an arrangement of photovoltaic modules configured for transportation. The arrangement includes a plurality of photovoltaic modules, each photovoltaic module including a frame. A plurality of individual male alignment features and a plurality of individual female alignment features are included on each frame. Adjacent photovoltaic modules are interlocked by multiple individual male alignment features on a first module of the adjacent photovoltaic modules fitting into and being surrounded by corresponding individual female alignment features on a second module of the adjacent photovoltaic modules. Other embodiments, features and aspects are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2012Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: SunPower CorporationInventor: Brian S. Wares
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Publication number: 20140034114Abstract: One embodiment relates to an arrangement of photovoltaic modules configured for transportation. The arrangement includes a plurality of photovoltaic modules, each photovoltaic module including a frame. A plurality of individual male alignment features and a plurality of individual female alignment features are included on each frame. Adjacent photovoltaic modules are interlocked by multiple individual male alignment features on a first module of the adjacent photovoltaic modules fitting into and being surrounded by corresponding individual female alignment features on a second module of the adjacent photovoltaic modules. Other embodiments, features and aspects are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2012Publication date: February 6, 2014Inventor: Brian S. WARES
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Publication number: 20130000357Abstract: A sag-bending glass sheet mold is disclosed. The sheet mold comprises a plurality of lateral support members, a plurality of longitudinal support members arranged perpendicular to the lateral support members, each of the plurality of lateral support members extending between two of the plurality of longitudinal support members, each of the plurality of longitudinal support members having an upper surface, and the upper surfaces of each of the plurality of longitudinal support members combined to form a mold support surface. The sheet mold can also comprise a glass-bearing support sheet disposed atop the mold support surface, the glass-bearing support sheet extending across the plurality of longitudinal support members and above the lateral support members, the glass-bearing support sheet having a curved upper surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2011Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicant: SUNPOWER CORPORATIONInventors: Amine Berrada Sounni, Brian S. Wares