Abstract: A rail-based solar panel mounting system including at least one mounting bracket coupled to a mounting surface and at least one elongated rail having an open channel configuration, wherein the at least one elongated rail is coupled to the at least one mounting bracket. The mounting system also includes at least one mid-clamp assembly couplable to the at least one elongated rail, wherein the at least one mid-clamp assembly is configured to retain at least one solar panel relative to the at least one elongated rail.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a covering for a clamping assembly used to connect and ground solar panel modules to a mounting rail. The covering comprises a sleeve including an outer cover for connecting to the solar panel module and a connector shaped to be contained within the outer cover and connected to the outer cover through two or more flanges. The connector has an opening there through to receive a female member of the clamping assembly.

Abstract: In various representative aspects, an assembly for connecting and electrically bonding two solar panel rail guides. More specifically, the assembly provides a splice that slides within two solar panel rail guides and includes an elongated spring element that is inserted into an elongated slot in the splice and enables the two solar panel rail guides to be electrically bonded together when various bonding techniques are used to allow portions of the spring to penetrate the oxidation layers of the inner surfaces of the rail guides as they are joined together. Another embodiment that utilizes a bonding element that is inserted into an elongated slot of a splice and also enables two solar panel rail guides to be electrically bonded when the rail guides are joined.

Abstract: In various representative aspects, an assembly for securing a solar panel rail and rail-less support structures to a shingle roof. More specifically, the apparatus includes a connection bracket and flashing device for use in installing solar panel rail support structures. The connection bracket is secured to the flashing device by placing it over various embodiments of a cone element that is embedded within the flashing and secured using a tightening mechanism such as a bolt, screw, or other fastener. A solar panel rail support guide can be connected to a generally U-shaped connection on the top of the bracket. The apparatus also offers an improved means to cover the penetration point on the flashing to protect it and prevent water from leaking into the roof as well as an improved way to install the apparatus over existing products. Various embodiments of the bracket and flashing provided as well.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a covering for a clamping assembly used to connect and ground solar panel modules to a mounting rail. The covering comprises a sleeve including an outer cover for connecting to the solar panel module and a connector shaped to be contained within the outer cover and connected to the outer cover through two or more flanges. The connector has an opening there through to receive a female member of the clamping assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a covering for a clamping assembly used to connect and ground solar panel modules to a mounting rail. The covering comprises a sleeve including an outer cover for connecting to the solar panel module and a connector shaped to be contained within the outer cover and connected to the outer cover through two or more flanges. The connector has an opening there through to receive a female member of the clamping assembly.

Abstract: In various representative aspects, an assembly for connecting and electrically bonding electronic equipment to solar panel frames is provided. More specifically, the present invention relates generally to an assembly for securing and installing micro inverter and power optimizer units for use with solar panel arrays that are typically installed on roof structures. The assembly comprises a bracket assembly that couples micro invertors and power optimizers to solar panel frames.

Abstract: In various representative aspects, an assembly for connecting and electrically bonding electronic equipment to solar panel frames is provided. The present invention relates generally to an assembly for supporting junction box structures used in a solar panel frame array. More specifically, the apparatus comprises an adjustable bracket assembly that can mount most sizes and shapes of junction boxes that are then secured virtually to any solar panel frame while being electrically bonded by way of a surface layer penetrating means.

Abstract: In various representative aspects, an apparatus for clamping and grounding solar panel frames to a mounting rail is disclosed herein. The apparatus comprises a fastener with an enlarged end, and a shank, with the enlarged end having one or more sharp protrusions that resemble teeth, and a washer with one or more sharp protrusions, and an opening. When installed, the shank is inserted through the opening of the washer, the sharp protrusions of the enlarged end penetrate either the lower or upper surface of the mounting rail and the sharp protrusions of the washer penetrate the other surface of the solar panel frames while at the same time creating a grounding path through the apparatus.

Abstract: In various representative aspects, an assembly for connecting and electrically bonding electronic equipment to solar panel frames is provided. More specifically, the present invention relates generally to an assembly for securing and installing micro inverter and power optimizer units for use with solar panel arrays that are typically installed on roof structures. The assembly comprises a bracket assembly that couples micro invertors and power optimizers to solar panel frames.

Abstract: In various representative aspects, an assembly for connecting and electrically bonding electronic equipment to solar panel frames is provided. The present invention relates generally to an assembly for supporting junction box structures used in a solar panel frame array. More specifically, the apparatus comprises an adjustable bracket assembly that can mount most sizes and shapes of junction boxes that are then secured virtually to any solar panel frame while being electrically bonded by way of a surface layer penetrating means.

Abstract: In various representative aspects, an apparatus for securing conduit to solar panel arrays that are typically installed on roof structures. More specifically, the assembly comprises a mount that is coupled to a solar panel module or a rail-less wire conduit structure for securing wire conduit alongside the perimeter of an array of solar panel modules.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel and improved roof flashing assembly for use in supporting hardware needed to install solar panel arrays on shingle roofs. The assembly is both easy to install and provides an improved watertight seal at the location where the assembly is secured to the rafters of the roof over the state of the art.

Abstract: In various representative aspects, an apparatus for securing and covering clamp assembly that secures and electrically binds a solar panel module to a mounting rail as part of a solar panel array is provided that is both easy and efficient to install.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel and improved roof flashing assembly for use in supporting hardware needed to install solar panel arrays on shingle roofs. The assembly is both easy to install and provides an improved watertight seal at the location where the assembly is secured to the rafters of the roof over the state of the art.

Abstract: In various representative aspects, an apparatus for clamping and grounding solar panel frames to a mounting rail is disclosed herein. The apparatus comprises a fastener with an enlarged end, and a shank, with the enlarged end having one or more sharp protrusions that resemble teeth, and a washer with one or more sharp protrusions, and an opening. When installed, the shank is inserted through the opening of the washer, the sharp protrusions of the enlarged end penetrate either the lower or upper surface of the mounting rail and the sharp protrusions of the washer penetrate the other surface of the solar panel frames while at the same time creating a grounding path through the apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus, method, and program product for performing ad hoc media delivery. Enhanced handheld devices are used in combination with the other components to route media and control its presentation. Enhanced media presentation stations detect the presence of one or more of the handheld devices. Information regarding the presence of a handheld device is then communicated from the media presentation stations to an enhanced server. The server uses this information to maintain a record of the location of each handheld device. The recorded location information is used to route the media to the media presentation station that is closest to the location of the handheld device. Control information, such as media selection and fidelity control (when appropriate), is forwarded from the handheld device to the server, so that the server can take appropriate action relative to transmission of the media to the media presentation station at issue.

Abstract: Disclosed is an Information Supply Facility. The Information Supply Facility utilizes a personal/hand held device that transparently interacts (via various access points) with a centralized server. The server collects identification and location information about the personal device and makes a determination as to whether the person associated with the device should be notified regarding the proximity of other individuals and/or regarding one or more topics of interest to the particular person. The collected information along with certain profile information is stored in a database where it can be made available to third parties (e.g., governmental entities) for tracking and notification purposes.

Abstract: A wireless repeater and controller is placed between a light socket and a light bulb, such as in a ceiling light fixture. The wireless repeater and controller has an extending threaded portion that screws into the light socket, and a recessed threaded portion that receives a light bulb. When the light switch that would normally control the light bulb is on, power is provided to the wireless repeater and controller. When the power to the wireless repeater and controller is toggled on then off using the light switch, the wireless repeater and controller disconnects line power from the light bulb so the light switch can still be used to control the light bulb.

Abstract: A local wireless device serves as a unique identifier for students and teachers in a school system. The school is equipped with multiple stationary hubs for tracking the location of students and teachers. The school may also be equipped with multiple mobile hubs, such as hand-held hubs and hubs on school buses, which allow easily and quickly determining if a student or teacher is where he or she should be. The local wireless device may be used in conjunction with a pager, mobile phone, a voicemail device, and devices for storing, reviewing and sending audio and video files. The preferred embodiments also includes a single device that provides all of the above-mentioned functions. In addition, a wireless display may be coupled to the local wireless device as needed. The function of these devices may be controlled according to the needs of the system. For example, some of the functions may be disabled during class periods, but enabled between classes.