Patents by Inventor Charles Bernardo Almy
Charles Bernardo Almy 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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Patent number: 11705855Abstract: 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 photovoltaic modules having the appearance of a plurality of roofing tiles that each have photovoltaic cells. Each photovoltaic module may include a metal backer, photovoltaic cells, and light transmissive top sheets adhered to both the metal backer and the photovoltaic cells. BIPV systems can also include non-photovoltaic modules that appear similar to photovoltaic modules, but do not collect solar energy.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2021Date of Patent: July 18, 2023Assignee: Tesla, Inc.Inventors: Martin Seery, Charles Bernardo Almy, Kathryn Austin Pesce
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Publication number: 20230198455Abstract: 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 photovoltaic modules having the appearance of a plurality of roofing tiles that each have photovoltaic cells. Each photovoltaic module may include a metal backer, photovoltaic cells, and light transmissive top sheets adhered to both the metal backer and the photovoltaic cells. BIPV systems can also include non-photovoltaic modules that appear similar to photovoltaic modules, but do not collect solar energy.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2023Publication date: June 22, 2023Inventors: Martin SEERY, Charles Bernardo ALMY, Kathryn Austin PESCE
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Patent number: 11451188Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 11, 2020Date of Patent: September 20, 2022Assignee: Tesla, Inc.Inventors: Charles Bernardo Almy, Brian Edward Atchley, Garret Anthony Bautista
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Patent number: 11190129Abstract: Photovoltaic modules are mounted onto a solar tracker array torque tube via pairs or left-handed and right-handed photovoltaic array connectors or brackets. The left-handed and right-handed photovoltaic array connectors have orientation projections that couple with and extend into the interior body of the torque tube. Pairs of left-handed photovoltaic array connectors and pairs of right-handed photovoltaic array connectors of adjacent photovoltaic modules can further be fastened together, thereby securing the photovoltaic modules to the torque tube and distributing the load of the overall number of photovoltaic modules mounted on the solar tracker array.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2016Date of Patent: November 30, 2021Assignee: Tesla, Inc.Inventors: Kathryn Austin Pesce, Charles Bernardo Almy
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Publication number: 20210265941Abstract: 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 photovoltaic modules having the appearance of a plurality of roofing tiles that each have photovoltaic cells. Each photovoltaic module may include a metal backer, photovoltaic cells, and light transmissive top sheets adhered to both the metal backer and the photovoltaic cells. BIPV systems can also include non-photovoltaic modules that appear similar to photovoltaic modules, but do not collect solar energy.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2021Publication date: August 26, 2021Inventors: Martin SEERY, Charles Bernardo ALMY, Kathryn Austin PESCE
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Patent number: 11012025Abstract: 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 photovoltaic modules having the appearance of a plurality of roofing tiles that each have photovoltaic cells. Each photovoltaic module may include a metal backer, photovoltaic cells, and light transmissive top sheets adhered to both the metal backer and the photovoltaic cells. BIPV systems can also include non-photovoltaic modules that appear similar to photovoltaic modules, but do not collect solar energy.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2018Date of Patent: May 18, 2021Assignee: Tesla, Inc.Inventors: Martin Seery, Charles Bernardo Almy, Kathryn Austin Pesce
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Publication number: 20200373876Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2020Publication date: November 26, 2020Inventors: Charles Bernardo ALMY, Brian Edward ATCHLEY, Garret Anthony BAUTISTA
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Patent number: 10778139Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 27, 2017Date of Patent: September 15, 2020Assignee: Tesla, Inc.Inventors: Charles Bernardo Almy, Brian Edward Atchley, Garret Anthony Bautista
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Patent number: 10622937Abstract: Photovoltaic modules are mounted onto a solar tracker array torque tube via pairs or left-handed and right-handed photovoltaic array connectors having spring latch assemblies. The left-handed and right-handed photovoltaic array connectors have orientation projections that couple with and extend into the interior body of the torque tube. The orientation projections on the spring latch assemblies of each pair of left-handed and right-handed photovoltaic array connector allow for the photovoltaic array connectors to fit over and settle on a torque tube, and thereby support and mount a photovoltaic module as part of a solar tracker array.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2016Date of Patent: April 14, 2020Assignee: SolarCity CorporationInventors: Kathryn Austin Pesce, Charles Bernardo Almy
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Patent number: 10587216Abstract: Photovoltaic modules are mounted onto PV module mounting brackets of a solar torque tube via clamps. The clamps include a first hook rotatably attached to a main body, and a second hook rotatably attached to the main body. The clamps provide for simultaneously securing a first photovoltaic module to the bracket with the first hook and securing a second photovoltaic module to the bracket with the second hook without the need for tools.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2016Date of Patent: March 10, 2020Assignee: SolarCity CorporationInventors: Charles Bernardo Almy, Kathryn Austin Pesce
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Patent number: 10505495Abstract: 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 photovoltaic tiles. Each photovoltaic module may comprise an inner sheet, an outer sheet, photovoltaic cells, and a bracket. When installed the bracket may be covered by up-roof tiles, giving the overall roof a uniform appearance.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2018Date of Patent: December 10, 2019Assignee: Tesla, Inc.Inventors: Charles Bernardo Almy, Johann Fritz Karkheck
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Patent number: 10469024Abstract: Photovoltaic module assemblies are mounted onto a solar tracker array torque tube via photovoltaic module brackets. The photovoltaic module brackets provide for stacking photovoltaic module assemblies in a nested configuration. The photovoltaic module assemblies are pre-assembled off-site, at a location different than the photovoltaic array installation site, and the nested configuration allows for efficient transportation of pre-assembled photovoltaic module assemblies to the installation site.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2016Date of Patent: November 5, 2019Assignee: SolarCity CorporationInventors: Charles Bernardo Almy, Kathryn Austin Pesce
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Publication number: 20190273462Abstract: 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 photovoltaic tiles. Each photovoltaic module may comprise an inner sheet, an outer sheet, photovoltaic cells, and a bracket. When installed the bracket may be covered by up-roof tiles, giving the overall roof a uniform appearance.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2018Publication date: September 5, 2019Inventors: Charles Bernardo Almy, Johann Fritz Karkheck
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Publication number: 20190273463Abstract: 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 photovoltaic modules having the appearance of a plurality of roofing tiles that each have photovoltaic cells. Each photovoltaic module may include a metal backer, photovoltaic cells, and light transmissive top sheets adhered to both the metal backer and the photovoltaic cells. BIPV systems can also include non-photovoltaic modules that appear similar to photovoltaic modules, but do not collect solar energy.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2018Publication date: September 5, 2019Inventors: Martin Seery, Charles Bernardo Almy, Kathryn Austin Pesce
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Publication number: 20180123504Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2017Publication date: May 3, 2018Inventors: Charles Bernardo Almy, Brian Edward Atchley, Garret Anthony Bautista
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Publication number: 20180019703Abstract: Disclosed is a wire clip for securing wires to a flange of a photovoltaic module frame. The wire clip includes a base having a first end and a second end. The first end of the base is opposite the second end. The wire clip also includes an attachment arm extending from and cooperating with the base to define an opening that faces the first end and that leads into a frame-receiving slot. A wire gather extends from the base and defines an opening that faces the second end and that leads into a wire-receiving slot. The wire gather extends from a portion of the base closer to the second end than the first end.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2016Publication date: January 18, 2018Inventors: Charles Bernardo Almy, Brian Despard West
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Publication number: 20170310273Abstract: Photovoltaic modules are mounted onto PV module mounting brackets of a solar torque tube via clamps. The clamps include a first hook rotatably attached to a main body, and a second hook rotatably attached to the main body. The clamps provide for simultaneously securing a first photovoltaic module to the bracket with the first hook and securing a second photovoltaic module to the bracket with the second hook without the need for tools.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2016Publication date: October 26, 2017Inventors: Charles Bernardo Almy, Kathryn Austin Pesce
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Publication number: 20170294867Abstract: Photovoltaic modules are mounted onto a solar tracker array torque tube via pairs or left-handed and right-handed photovoltaic array connectors having spring latch assemblies. The left-handed and right-handed photovoltaic array connectors have orientation projections that couple with and extend into the interior body of the torque tube. The orientation projections on the spring latch assemblies of each pair of left-handed and right-handed photovoltaic array connector allow for the photovoltaic array connectors to fit over and settle on a torque tube, and thereby support and mount a photovoltaic module as part of a solar tracker array.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2016Publication date: October 12, 2017Inventors: Kathryn Austin Pesce, Charles Bernardo Almy
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Publication number: 20170294869Abstract: Photovoltaic modules are mounted onto a solar tracker array torque tube via pairs or left-handed and right-handed photovoltaic array connectors or brackets. The left-handed and right-handed photovoltaic array connectors have orientation projections that couple with and extend into the interior body of the torque tube. Pairs of left-handed photovoltaic array connectors and pairs of right-handed photovoltaic array connectors of adjacent photovoltaic modules can further be fastened together, thereby securing the photovoltaic modules to the torque tube and distributing the load of the overall number of photovoltaic modules mounted on the solar tracker array.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2016Publication date: October 12, 2017Inventors: Kathryn Austin Pesce, Charles Bernardo Almy
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Publication number: 20170294870Abstract: Photovoltaic module assemblies are mounted onto a solar tracker array torque tube via photovoltaic module brackets. The photovoltaic module brackets provide for stacking photovoltaic module assemblies in a nested configuration. The photovoltaic module assemblies are pre-assembled off-site, at a location different than the photovoltaic array installation site, and the nested configuration allows for efficient transportation of pre-assembled photovoltaic module assemblies to the installation site.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2016Publication date: October 12, 2017Inventors: Charles Bernardo Almy, Kathryn Austin Pesce