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).

  • Patent number: 11705855
    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 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: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Tesla, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Seery, Charles Bernardo Almy, Kathryn Austin Pesce
  • Publication number: 20230198455
    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 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: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2023
    Publication date: June 22, 2023
    Inventors: Martin SEERY, Charles Bernardo ALMY, Kathryn Austin PESCE
  • 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: 11190129
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: Tesla, Inc.
    Inventors: Kathryn Austin Pesce, Charles Bernardo Almy
  • Publication number: 20210265941
    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 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: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2021
    Publication date: August 26, 2021
    Inventors: Martin SEERY, Charles Bernardo ALMY, Kathryn Austin PESCE
  • Patent number: 11012025
    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 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: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: Tesla, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Seery, Charles Bernardo Almy, Kathryn Austin Pesce
  • 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: 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: 10622937
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: SolarCity Corporation
    Inventors: Kathryn Austin Pesce, Charles Bernardo Almy
  • Patent number: 10587216
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: SolarCity Corporation
    Inventors: Charles Bernardo Almy, Kathryn Austin Pesce
  • Patent number: 10505495
    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 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: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Tesla, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Bernardo Almy, Johann Fritz Karkheck
  • Patent number: 10469024
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: SolarCity Corporation
    Inventors: Charles Bernardo Almy, Kathryn Austin Pesce
  • Publication number: 20190273462
    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 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: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2018
    Publication date: September 5, 2019
    Inventors: Charles Bernardo Almy, Johann Fritz Karkheck
  • Publication number: 20190273463
    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 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: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2018
    Publication date: September 5, 2019
    Inventors: Martin Seery, Charles Bernardo Almy, Kathryn Austin Pesce
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20180019703
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2016
    Publication date: January 18, 2018
    Inventors: Charles Bernardo Almy, Brian Despard West
  • Publication number: 20170310273
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2016
    Publication date: October 26, 2017
    Inventors: Charles Bernardo Almy, Kathryn Austin Pesce
  • Publication number: 20170294867
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2016
    Publication date: October 12, 2017
    Inventors: Kathryn Austin Pesce, Charles Bernardo Almy
  • Publication number: 20170294869
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2016
    Publication date: October 12, 2017
    Inventors: Kathryn Austin Pesce, Charles Bernardo Almy
  • Publication number: 20170294870
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2016
    Publication date: October 12, 2017
    Inventors: Charles Bernardo Almy, Kathryn Austin Pesce