Patents by Inventor Brian Wares
Brian 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: 20180062565Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) system having a bearing assembly to support PV modules is described. In an example, the bearing assembly includes a pair of bearing supports having respective sub-rims. The sub-rims may have complementary arcuate seat surfaces, which when combined, define a curved seat rim to receive a bearing sleeve. Accordingly, the bearing supports may be mounted symmetrically about a pile such that the sub-rims combine to support the bearing sleeve, and a torque tube holding the PV modules may be mounted on the bearing sleeve. More particularly, the torque tube may be in sliding contact with the bearing sleeve, and a weight of the PV modules and torque tube may be evenly transmitted through the pair of bearing supports to a shear center of the pile.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2016Publication date: March 1, 2018Inventors: Mark Adam Schimelpfenig, Tyler Grushkowitz, Brian Wares
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Publication number: 20180062563Abstract: A solar-tracking photovoltaic (PV) system having several PV modules mounted on a torque tube is described. The torque tube may include several sections joined by a torque tube coupler. For example, the torque tube coupler may having a medial section and end sections to join to the torque tube sections. The medial section and the torque tube sections may have a same outer diameter.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2016Publication date: March 1, 2018Inventors: Sushrut Bapat, Tyler Grushkowitz, Nicholas James McKibben, Brian Wares
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Patent number: 9897346Abstract: A solar concentrator assembly is disclosed. The solar concentrator assembly comprises a first reflector facing in a first direction, a second reflector facing in a second direction, the second direction opposite the first direction, and a rotational member having a long axis transverse to the first and second directions, the rotational member disposed between and coupled to each of the first and second reflectors.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2010Date of Patent: February 20, 2018Assignee: SUNPOWER CORPORATIONInventors: Ryan Linderman, Zachary S. Judkins, Brian Wares, Charles Almy
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Publication number: 20170279405Abstract: Various systems and methods enabling low cost solar tracker systems including lower cost mounting assemblies and fasteners are described herein. Reducing the material, manufacturing costs and/or labor required for assembly of solar tracker components can present significant reductions in the cost of solar tracker systems. In an embodiment, a hollow fastener can significantly lower the cost of solar tracker mounting and coupling assemblies while still maintaining strength and structural integrity of the solar tracker system.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2016Publication date: September 28, 2017Inventor: Brian Wares
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Patent number: 9746655Abstract: A solar concentrator assembly can include mirror assemblies that are connected to pivotable frames with locating connections. The locating connections can be in the form of cam devices or tool-less connections formed by snap fitting devices as well as tool-less cam devices.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2014Date of Patent: August 29, 2017Assignee: SUNPOWER CORPORATIONInventors: Brian Wares, Charles Almy, Nicholas Barton
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Publication number: 20160261232Abstract: A cable tray and support system facilitates cable management in a solar energy collector system at reduced cost relative to previous cable tray and support systems. The cable tray and support system comprises cables trays, mounting brackets, and vertically-oriented piles. The mounting brackets are coupled to the cables trays and vertically-oriented piles. The mounting brackets include one or more stress relief features (e.g., notches) to allow the mounting bracket to provide cantilevered deflection in response to thermal expansion or contraction-of the cable tray. The cable tray and support system also provides a ground path from a cable tray, to the mounting bracket, to the pile, and then to the ground to dissipate transient voltages in the solar energy collection system.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2016Publication date: September 8, 2016Inventors: Tyler Grushkowitz, Brian Wares, Vicent Ripoll Agullo, Shannon Mark Bachart, Matthew Scott Lambert
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Patent number: 9322963Abstract: A solar concentrator assembly is disclosed. The solar concentrator assembly comprises a first reflective device having a first reflective front side and a first rear side, a second reflective device having a second reflective front side and a second rear side, the second reflective device positioned such that the first reflective front side faces the second rear side, and a support assembly coupled to and supporting the first and second reflective devices, the second reflective device positioned to be vertically offset from the first reflective device.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2013Date of Patent: April 26, 2016Assignee: SUNPOWER CORPORATIONInventors: Ryan Linderman, Zachary S Judkins, Brian Wares, Charles Almy
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Patent number: 9252314Abstract: A photovoltaic device comprising an array of elongate reflector elements mounted substantially parallel to one another and transversely spaced in series, at least one of the reflector elements having an elongate concave reflective surface to reflect incident solar radiation towards a forward adjacent reflector element in the array. The at least one reflector element includes a photovoltaic receptor mounted on the reflector element by a mounting arrangement to receive reflected solar radiation from a rearward adjacent reflector element. The reflector element also includes a heat sink in heat transfer relationship with the photovoltaic receptor, thermally isolating the photovoltaic receptor, at least partially, from the reflector element.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2015Date of Patent: February 2, 2016Assignee: SUNPOWER CORPORATIONInventors: Brian Wares, Stephan Barsun, Tom Dinwoodie
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Publication number: 20150155415Abstract: A photovoltaic device comprising an array of elongate reflector elements mounted substantially parallel to one another and transversely spaced in series, at least one of the reflector elements having an elongate concave reflective surface to reflect incident solar radiation towards a forward adjacent reflector element in the array. The at least one reflector element includes a photovoltaic receptor mounted on the reflector element by a mounting arrangement to receive reflected solar radiation from a rearward adjacent reflector element. The reflector element also includes a heat sink in heat transfer relationship with the photovoltaic receptor, thermally isolating the photovoltaic receptor, at least partially, from the reflector element.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2015Publication date: June 4, 2015Inventors: Brian Wares, Stephan Barsun, Tom Dinwoodie
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Publication number: 20150146315Abstract: A solar concentrator assembly can include mirror assemblies that are connected to pivotable frames with locating connections. The locating connections can be in the form of cam devices or tool-less connections formed by snap fitting devices as well as tool-less cam devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2014Publication date: May 28, 2015Inventors: Brian Wares, Charles Almy, Nicholas Barton
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Patent number: 8946541Abstract: A photovoltaic device comprising an array of elongate reflector elements mounted substantially parallel to one another and transversely spaced in series, at least one of the reflector elements having an elongate concave reflective surface to reflect incident solar radiation towards a forward adjacent reflector element in the array. The at least one reflector element includes a photovoltaic receptor mounted on the reflector element by a mounting arrangement to receive reflected solar radiation from a rearward adjacent reflector element. The reflector element also includes a heat sink in heat transfer relationship with the photovoltaic receptor, thermally isolating the photovoltaic receptor, at least partially, from the reflector element.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2013Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Assignee: SunPower CorporationInventors: Brian Wares, Stephan Barsun, Tom Dinwoodie
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Patent number: 8893713Abstract: A solar concentrator assembly can include mirror assemblies that are connected to pivotable frames with locating connections. The locating connections can be in the form of cam devices or tool-less connections formed by snap fitting devices as well as tool-less cam devices.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2010Date of Patent: November 25, 2014Assignee: Sunpower CorporationInventors: Brian Wares, Charles Almy, Nicholas Barton
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Patent number: 8839784Abstract: A solar concentrator assembly can include edge solar receiver assemblies that are connected to pivotable frames with locating connections. The locating connections can be in the form of cam devices or tool-less connections formed by snap fitting devices as well as tool-less cam devices.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2010Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Assignee: Sunpower CorporationInventors: Brian Wares, Charles Almy
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Patent number: 8793942Abstract: A PV assembly including framework, PV laminate(s), and a stiffening device. The framework includes a perimeter frame at least 10 feet in length and at least 5 feet in width. The PV laminate(s) are assembled to the perimeter frame to define a receiving zone having a depth of not more than 8 inches. The stiffening device is associated with the framework and is configured to provide a first state and a second state. In the first state, an entirety of the stiffening device is maintained within the receiving zone. In the second state, at least a portion of the stiffening device projects from the receiving zone. The stiffening device enhances a stiffness of the PV assembly in a plane of the perimeter frame, and can include rods defining truss structures.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2013Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: SunPower CorporationInventors: Charles Almy, Matt Campbell, Reuben Sandler, Brian Wares, Elizabeth Wayman
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Publication number: 20140078607Abstract: A solar concentrator assembly is disclosed. The solar concentrator assembly comprises a first reflective device having a first reflective front side and a first rear side, a second reflective device having a second reflective front side and a second rear side, the second reflective device positioned such that the first reflective front side faces the second rear side, and a support assembly coupled to and supporting the first and second reflective devices, the second reflective device positioned to be vertically offset from the first reflective device.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2013Publication date: March 20, 2014Applicant: SUNPOWER CORPORATIONInventors: Ryan Linderman, Zachary S. Judkins, Brian Wares, Charles Almy
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Publication number: 20140026943Abstract: A photovoltaic device comprising an array of elongate reflector elements mounted substantially parallel to one another and transversely spaced in series, at least one of the reflector elements having an elongate concave reflective surface to reflect incident solar radiation towards a forward adjacent reflector element in the array. The at least one reflector element includes a photovoltaic receptor mounted on the reflector element by a mounting arrangement to receive reflected solar radiation from a rearward adjacent reflector element. The reflector element also includes a heat sink in heat transfer relationship with the photovoltaic receptor, thermally isolating the photovoltaic receptor, at least partially, from the reflector element.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2013Publication date: January 30, 2014Applicant: SunPower CorporationInventors: Brian Wares, Stephan Barsun, Tom Dinwoodie
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Patent number: 8584667Abstract: A solar concentrator assembly is disclosed. The solar concentrator assembly comprises a first reflective device having a first reflective front side and a first rear side, a second reflective device having a second reflective front side and a second rear side, the second reflective device positioned such that the first reflective front side faces the second rear side, and a support assembly coupled to and supporting the first and second reflective devices, the second reflective device positioned to be vertically offset from the first reflective device.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2012Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: SunPower CorporationInventors: Ryan Linderman, Zachary S. Judkins, Brian Wares, Charles Almy
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Patent number: 8567134Abstract: A photovoltaic assembly for converting solar radiation to electrical energy is described. The photovoltaic assembly includes a first photovoltaic module, a second photovoltaic module and a coupling platform. The first and second photovoltaic module each have a first side for securing to the coupling platform. The coupling platform has a retractable locking mechanism and a retaining device. The retaining device is positioned such that the first side of the second PV module inhibits the retractable locking mechanism from releasing the first side of the first PV module. The coupling platform also includes a support member for mounting to a tracking drive system or a roof top.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2012Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: SunPower CorporationInventors: Tyler Grushkowitz, Corey Cole, Brian Wares
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Publication number: 20130263913Abstract: A PV assembly including framework, PV laminate(s), and a stiffening device. The framework includes a perimeter frame at least 10 feet in length and at least 5 feet in width. The PV laminate(s) are assembled to the perimeter frame to define a receiving zone having a depth of not more than 8 inches. The stiffening device is associated with the framework and is configured to provide a first state and a second state. In the first state, an entirety of the stiffening device is maintained within the receiving zone. In the second state, at least a portion of the stiffening device projects from the receiving zone. The stiffening device enhances a stiffness of the PV assembly in a plane of the perimeter frame, and can include rods defining truss structures.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2013Publication date: October 10, 2013Inventors: Charles Almy, Matt Campbell, Reuben Sandler, Brian Wares, Elizabeth Wayman
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Publication number: 20130255870Abstract: The area of Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) and Concentrating Photovoltaics (CPV) require reliable, robust and durable reflectors capable of withstanding different environments, weather and transportation conditions. It is therefore important to use a method for fabricating a reflector which seals a reflector edge against moisture, corrosion and contaminants and protects the edge from cracks and damage. Embodiments of this method include depositing a clear sealant over the reflector edges, extending a reflective film over the edges of the reflector then sealing from the back and laminating a flexible strip of a clear polymer such as PVB and EVA around the top edge, a bottom edge, and all side edges of the reflector. Another embodiment includes performing hemming process on a front assembly of the reflector over the edges of a back assembly forming a sacrificial layer at the back of the reflector to prevent delamination.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2012Publication date: October 3, 2013Applicant: SUNPOWER CORPORATIONInventors: Brian Wares, Amine Berrada Sounni, Matthew Dawson