Patents by Inventor Charles Wade Albritton

Charles Wade Albritton 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).

  • Publication number: 20240014775
    Abstract: A cable management system for managing cables associated with an array of solar modules includes a body having an interior surface extending vertically, a lower flange extending directly from the interior surface of the body, and a cable management flange extending directly from the interior surface of the body above the lower flange. The cable management flange and the lower flange define a cable cavity therebetween for retaining at least one cable. Distal ends of the lower flange and the cable management flange define an opening for inserting the at least one cable into the cable cavity. The cable management flange is arranged to engage the at least one cable and secure the at least one cable in the cable cavity. The cable management flange is flexible to accept and retain the at least one cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2023
    Publication date: January 11, 2024
    Inventors: Samuel Marcus-Flack Truthseeker, Daniel William Carey, Charles Wade Albritton, Miles C. Russell
  • Patent number: 11817818
    Abstract: A module frame includes a body having an interior surface, a lower flange extending from the interior surface of the body, and a cable management flange extending from the interior surface of the body. The lower flange and the cable management flange each include a distal end. The cable management flange and the lower flange define a cable cavity therebetween for retaining at least one cable. The distal ends of the lower flange and the cable management flange define an opening for inserting the cable into the cable cavity. The cable management flange is arranged to engage the cable and secure the cable in the cable cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: TECSI Solar, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel Marcus-Flack Truthseeker, Daniel William Carey, Charles Wade Albritton, Miles C. Russell
  • Publication number: 20220200523
    Abstract: A module frame includes a body having an interior surface, a lower flange extending from the interior surface of the body, and a cable management flange extending from the interior surface of the body. The lower flange and the cable management flange each include a distal end. The cable management flange and the lower flange define a cable cavity therebetween for retaining at least one cable. The distal ends of the lower flange and the cable management flange define an opening for inserting the cable into the cable cavity. The cable management flange is arranged to engage the cable and secure the cable in the cable cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2022
    Publication date: June 23, 2022
    Inventors: Samuel Marcus-Flack Truthseeker, Daniel William Carey, Charles Wade Albritton, Miles C. Russell
  • Publication number: 20190013774
    Abstract: A solar module system includes a frame, a microinverter, and an adapter assembly for connecting the microinverter to the frame. The frame includes a body, a mounting flange extending from a bottom of the body at an edge, and a cable management flange extending from an interior surface of the body. The cable management flange and the mounting flange define a cable cavity therebetween for retaining at least one cable. The adapter assembly includes an adapter including a microinverter attachment projection coupled to the microinverter, a frame attachment extension, and a side wall extending therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2016
    Publication date: January 10, 2019
    Inventors: Samuel Marcus-Flack Truthseeker, Daniel William Carey, Charles Wade Albritton
  • Patent number: 9170031
    Abstract: An energy transfer module coupled to a thermal solar module includes a body having a first end member, a second end member, and four side members configured to enclose a first spatial region within a vicinity of the first end member and a second spatial region within a vicinity of the second end member. The first spatial region is in communication with the second spatial region. The module further includes one or more inlet openings provided at the first end member for inputting fluid flow from the thermal solar module. The module also includes an air filter disposed within the first spatial region to remove one or more impurities from the fluid flow. Additionally, the module includes a fan disposed between the first spatial region and the second spatial region to draw the fluid flow through the air filter. The fan is coupled to a drive motor. The module further includes a heat exchanger disposed in the first spatial region and an outlet provided on the second end member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: SunEdison, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian West, Charles Wade Albritton
  • Patent number: 8946542
    Abstract: A pan structure for bonding solar modules installed on a target position is provided. The pan structure includes a plate member configured to be disposed across a spacing between two rail structures for mounting one or more solar modules. Additionally, the pan structure includes a pair of edge members configured to couple the plate member respectively with the two rail structures. Each of the pair of edge members has a first ledge characterized to be electrically conductive and configured to be supported by one of the two rail structures and a second ledge connected the first ledge to the plate member to keep the plate member a distance below the first ledge. Moreover, the pan structure includes a plurality of contact elements spatially distributed along the first ledge for bonding both the one or more solar modules and the rail structures for electric grounding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: SunEdison, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel Truthseeker, Charles Wade Albritton, Ramachandran Narayanamurthy, Joshua Reed Plaisted
  • Patent number: 8375936
    Abstract: A solar energy system. The system includes a thermal solar system comprising a plurality of thermal modules spatially configured as an N by M array. In a specific embodiment, the plurality of thermal modules are configured to form an aperture region and a backside region. The system has an air moving device comprising a drive device coupled to a blower device. In a specific embodiment, the drive device is spatially disposed within a fluid drive region. The system has a controller operably coupled to the air moving device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: EchoFirst, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Wade Albritton
  • Patent number: 8360050
    Abstract: A method for operating a thermal solar system, e.g., solar system, photovoltaic system, thermal system, includes providing a thermal array including a plenum. The thermal array may be subjected to a freezing condition, which can include, for example, one or more ice particles and/or crystals, e.g., ice crystal, frost, snow, sleet. The method includes operating a fan device coupled to a drive device in a first direction to cause fluid flow from a second region to a first region that includes at least the plenum for the thermal array. The fan is coupled to the drive device disposed in a fluid flow region between the first region and second regions. The method also includes transferring thermal energy to the thermal array using at least the flow of fluid from the second region to the first region to cause the one or more ice particles and/or crystals to thaw for removal of the one or more ice particles and/or crystals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: EchoFirst, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Wade Albritton
  • Publication number: 20110120528
    Abstract: An energy transfer module coupled to a thermal solar module includes a body having a first end member, a second end member, and four side members configured to enclose a first spatial region within a vicinity of the first end member and a second spatial region within a vicinity of the second end member. The first spatial region is in communication with the second spatial region. The module further includes one or more inlet openings provided at the first end member for inputting fluid flow from the thermal solar module. The module also includes an air filter disposed within the first spatial region to remove one or more impurities from the fluid flow. Additionally, the module includes a fan disposed between the first spatial region and the second spatial region to draw the fluid flow through the air filter. The fan is coupled to a drive motor. The module further includes a heat exchanger disposed in the first spatial region and an outlet provided on the second end member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: PVT Solar, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian D WEST, Charles Wade Albritton
  • Publication number: 20100170501
    Abstract: A solar energy system. The system includes a thermal solar system comprising a plurality of thermal modules spatially configured as an N by M array. In a specific embodiment, the plurality of thermal modules are configured to form an aperture region and a backside region. The system has an air moving device comprising a drive device coupled to a blower device. In a specific embodiment, the drive device is spatially disposed within a fluid drive region. The system has a controller operably coupled to the air moving device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: PVT SOLAR, INC.
    Inventor: CHARLES WADE ALBRITTON
  • Patent number: 7625459
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a bag for use in vacuum packaging comprises forming a first panel having a plurality of baffles for evacuating air and/or other gases from inside the bag using a suction source, while preventing liquids from being drawn into the suction source, and a second panel. Each panel comprises a gas-impermeable base layer and a heat-sealable inner layer molded from melt-extruded resin. The first panel is overlapped with the second panel, and three of four edges of the panels are heated such that the inner layers bond at the heated edges. This description is not intended to be a complete description of, or limit the scope of, the invention. Other features, aspects, and objects of the invention can be obtained from a review of the specification, the figures, and the claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Sunbeam Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Hongyu Wu, Charles Wade Albritton, David Brakes
  • Patent number: 7478516
    Abstract: An apparatus for vacuum sealing a storage bag including a base and a receptacle component for receiving the end of a storage bag. A vacuum generating device is disposed in either one of the base or the receptacle. The receptacle includes a vacuum chamber for accepting the open end of the bag. The receptacle is pivotally secured to the base and is rotatable relative thereto between a first and second position. A sealing device is disposed on the receptacle for sealing the open end of the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Sunbeam Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Landen Higer, Charles Wade Albritton
  • Patent number: 7464522
    Abstract: An apparatus for vacuum sealing a storage bag including a base and a receptacle component for receiving an end of a storage bag. The receptacle including a vacuum chamber for accepting an open end of the bag. The receptacle is pivotally secured to the base and rotatable relative thereto between a first operating position and a second storage position. A sealing device is disposed on the receptacle for sealing the open end of the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Sunbeam Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Landen Higer, Charles Wade Albritton
  • Patent number: 7200974
    Abstract: A lidless vacuum packaging appliance whereby the number of movable parts is reduced is disclosed. A lidless appliance effectively reduces wear and tear of the appliance. Further, the lidless design allows for convenient placement in the operational environment of the appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Sunbeam Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Landen Higer, Charles Wade Albritton
  • Patent number: 7138025
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a bag for use in vacuum packaging comprises forming a first panel including a tray for retaining contents within the bag and a second panel. Optionally, the tray can include a plurality of ridges or protuberances for suspending contents such that liquid can collect in the tray. Each panel comprises a gas-impermeable base layer and a heat-sealable inner layer molded from melt-extruded resin. The first panel is overlapped with the second panel, and three of four edges of the panels are heated such that the inner layers bond at the heated edges. This description is not intended to be a complete description of, or limit the scope of, the invention. Other features, aspects, and objects of the invention can be obtained from a review of the specification, the figures, and the claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Tilia International, Inc.
    Inventors: Hongyu Wu, Charles Wade Albritton, David Brakes
  • Patent number: 7087130
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a bag for use in vacuum packaging comprises forming a first panel having a receiving feature and a second panel having an insertion feature, such that the insertion feature can be removably connected with the receiving feature, thereby forming a zipper. Each panel comprises a gas-impermeable base layer and a heat-sealable inner layer molded from melt-extruded resin. The first panel is overlapped with the second panel, and three of four edges of the panels are heated such that the inner layers bond at the heated edges and the unbonded edge can be opened or closed via the zipper. Optionally, the bag can include a valve structure for evacuating the bag. This description is not intended to be a complete description of, or limit the scope of, the invention. Other features, aspects, and objects of the invention can be obtained from a review of the specification, the figures, and the claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Tilia International, Inc.
    Inventors: Hongyu Wu, Charles Wade Albritton, David Brakes
  • Patent number: D500906
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Tilia International, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Wade Albritton, Steven D. Small, Jesse Frost Patterson
  • Patent number: D499526
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Tilia International, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Wade Albritton, Steven D. Small, Jesse Frost Patterson
  • Patent number: D647843
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: PVT Solar Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Wade Albritton, Brian D. West
  • Patent number: D648425
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: PVT Solar Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua Reed Plaisted, Charles Wade Albritton, Ramachandran Narayanamurthy