Patents by Inventor Greg McPheeters
Greg McPheeters 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: 8984818Abstract: Snap-in mounting systems for laminate solar panels are provided. The laminate solar panels can include laminate strips that can be snapped into mounting rails. The mounting rails may be coupled to racking rails for structural support and may include locking mechanisms for additional support and theft deterrence. An entire system may include a number of racking rails, mounting rails, and solar panels.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2011Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: Sunrun South LLCInventors: Greg McPheeters, Ethan Miller
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Publication number: 20150076301Abstract: A clamp has a body, a wedged channel nut, and a bolt. The body has a first component extending from the body and configured to engage a module and a second component having a tapered body surface. The wedged channel nut has a first flange and a second flange extending from opposing sides of the nut and configured to engage a rail and a tapered nut surface having an angle substantially identical to the angle of the tapered body surface of the second component, wherein the tapered nut surface engages the tapered body surface. A bolt extends through the wedged channel nut and the body. When the bolt is tightened, the nut and the body secure the module and rail together.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2014Publication date: March 19, 2015Inventor: Greg McPheeters
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Publication number: 20150020874Abstract: Racking assemblies for solar panel installations are provided. The racking assemblies may include a series of posts arranged in two parallel rows and anchored to the ground or other suitable surface. Purlins may be coupled to and may span the posts of each row. Specialized clamps may be used to attach the purlins to a series of mounting rails. The mounting rails, in turn, may support an array of solar modules.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2014Publication date: January 22, 2015Inventor: Greg McPheeters
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Publication number: 20150007523Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for securing a component to a surface are disclosed. The fastening device can include a base member having a threaded projection extending from a base plate. A base sealing gasket can be provided between the base plate and a surface on which the base plate is mounted to ensure a water-tight fit. A capping nut having a nut aperture can be threadably engaged to the treaded projection, and a structural fastener can be inserted through the nut aperture for securing a structural component of a building-mounted structure. A nut sealing gasket can be disposed between within the capping nut to ensure a water-tight fit between the capping nut and the base member.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2013Publication date: January 8, 2015Inventor: Greg McPheeters
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Patent number: 8801349Abstract: A clamp for securing a module to a rail. The clamp has a bolt having a head and a thread. The clamp includes an insert thread having a threaded aperture for receiving the thread of the bolt. The clamp having a body including an aperture to receive the bolt and wherein a first side of the body abuts the head of the bolt. The body includes a saw-toothed edge on a second side of the body opposing the first side of the body. The clamp includes a nut having a nut aperture for receiving the insert thread and the insert thread facilitating an electrical connection between the bolt and the nut. The nut having a first nut flange and a second nut flange extending toward the head of the bolt and wherein tightening of the bolt causes the nut and the body to approach one another causing the saw-toothed edge to pierce the module and the first nut flange and the second nut flange to engage and pierce notches of the rail.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2011Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: Sunrun South LLCInventor: Greg McPheeters
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Patent number: 8739471Abstract: Exemplary systems and methods described herein can be used to secure a rail to a module or the rail to a support using a nut that can be inserted at a desired point of mounting. Another exemplary system describes a flashing to be inserted under a roof shingle, wherein the flashing is secured to a support for a rail or module. Yet another exemplary system describes a clamp that secures a rail or module and is adjustable along the length of a post. Spacers can be added to the post to extend the adjustment range of the clamp.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2013Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: Sunrun Soutii LLCInventors: Greg McPheeters, Chris Oestreich, Ethan Miller
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Publication number: 20140069877Abstract: Solar panel frame clamps are disclosed. The clamps can include a clamp body for coupling together a mounting rail of a solar panel frame and a purlin. The clamp body may be c-shaped with ends of the clamp body defining an opening for receiving objects to be clamped. The ends of the clamp body may be provided with threaded apertures for receiving a set screw and a set screw bolt. Tightening the set screw bolt can pull the clamp body towards the objects to be clamped. The set screw, or another suitable feature, may contact the clamped object to facilitate electrical continuity throughout a system incorporating the solar panel frame clamps.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2013Publication date: March 13, 2014Applicant: Mainstream Energy CorporationInventor: Greg McPheeters
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Publication number: 20140013677Abstract: Exemplary systems and methods described herein can be used to secure a rail to a module or the rail to a support using a nut that can be inserted at a desired point of mounting. Another exemplary system describes a flashing to be inserted under a roof shingle, wherein the flashing is secured to a support for a rail or module. Yet another exemplary system describes a clamp that secures a rail or module and is adjustable along the length of a post. Spacers can be added to the post to extend the adjustment range of the clamp.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2013Publication date: January 16, 2014Inventors: Greg McPheeters, Chris Oestreich, Ethan Miller
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Patent number: 8585000Abstract: A clamp has a body, a wedged channel nut, and a bolt. The body has a first component extending from the body and configured to engage a module and a second component having a tapered body surface. The wedged channel nut has a first flange and a second flange extending from opposing sides of the nut and configured to engage a rail and a tapered nut surface having an angle substantially identical to the angle of the tapered body surface of the second component, wherein the tapered nut surface engages the tapered body surface. A bolt extends through the wedged channel nut and the body. When the bolt is tightened, the nut and the body secure the module and rail together.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2009Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: Mainstream Energy CorporationInventor: Greg McPheeters
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Publication number: 20130299657Abstract: A clamp described herein can secure a solar cell array to a seam of a standing seam metal roof. The clamp has a cam that is rotated by the tightening of a bolt to cause the cam to engage the seam. The clamp also has a receiver for receiving the seam and the rotated cam. By installing the clamp on the seam, the solar cell array can be secured to the standing seam metal roof without drilling into the roof. Because no screws are required to be drilled into the rooftop, the damage to the rooftop is substantially reduced. Also, by reversing the process described above, the clamp can be uninstalled in a similar fashion.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2013Publication date: November 14, 2013Applicant: Mainstream Energy CorporationInventor: Greg MCPHEETERS
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Publication number: 20130292437Abstract: Described herein is a new assembly of components which comprise a support arm on the side of a bicycle or similar mobility device. The structure is capable of carrying long thin items such as a long surfboard, or it can be used to secure a pet such as a dog to allow them to walk or run safely alongside a bicycle. The invention is designed to fit a wide range of devices, and is optimized for maximum ease of installation and quick release removal without any tools.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2013Publication date: November 7, 2013Inventor: Greg McPheeters
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Publication number: 20130291416Abstract: Described herein is a new assembly of components which comprise a support structure for hanging or supporting bicycles or similar equipment. The rack is designed using a number of tubes that pack into themselves for an extremely compact, lightweight assembly which is very easy to transport and store. The simple design ensures long term reliability and ease of use.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2013Publication date: November 7, 2013Inventor: Greg McPheeters
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Patent number: 8539719Abstract: Exemplary systems and methods described herein can be used to secure a rail to a module or the rail to a support using a nut that can be inserted at a desired point of mounting. Another exemplary system describes a flashing to be inserted under a roof shingle, wherein the flashing is secured to a support for a rail or module. Yet another exemplary system describes a clamp that secures a rail or module and is adjustable along the length of a post. Spacers can be added to the post to extend the adjustment range of the clamp.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2011Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Assignee: Mainstream Energy CorporationInventors: Greg McPheeters, Chris Oestreich, Ethan Miller
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Patent number: 8505863Abstract: A clamp described herein can secure a solar cell array to a seam of a standing seam metal roof. The clamp has a cam that is rotated by the tightening of a bolt to cause the cam to engage the seam. The clamp also has a receiver for receiving the seam and the rotated cam. By installing the clamp on the seam, the solar cell array can be secured to the standing seam metal roof without drilling into the roof. Because no screws are required to be drilled into the rooftop, the damage to the rooftop is substantially reduced. Also, by reversing the process described above, the clamp can be uninstalled in a similar fashion.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2012Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: Mainstream Energy CorporationInventor: Greg McPheeters
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Patent number: 8376298Abstract: A clamp has a body, a wedged channel nut, and a bolt. The body has a first component extending from the body and configured to engage a module and a second component having a tapered body surface. A flange of the first component engages a first slot of the rail. The nut has a nut extension extending from the nut and away from the module. The nut extension includes a flange configured to engage a second slot of the rail. The nut also includes a tapered nut surface having an angle substantially identical to the angle of the tapered body surface of the second component. The tapered nut surface engages the tapered body surface. A bolt extends through the nut and the body. When the bolt is tightened, the nut and the body secure the module and rail together.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2011Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: Mainstream Energy CorporationInventor: Greg McPheeters
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Publication number: 20120312945Abstract: A clamp described herein can secure a solar cell array to a seam of a standing seam metal roof. The clamp has a cam that is rotated by the tightening of a bolt to cause the cam to engage the seam. The clamp also has a receiver for receiving the seam and the rotated cam. By installing the clamp on the seam, the solar cell array can be secured to the standing seam metal roof without drilling into the roof. Because no screws are required to be drilled into the rooftop, the damage to the rooftop is substantially reduced. Also, by reversing the process described above, the clamp can be uninstalled in a similar fashion.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2012Publication date: December 13, 2012Applicant: MAINSTREAM ENERGY CORPORATIONInventor: Greg McPheeters
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Publication number: 20120267328Abstract: Racking assemblies for solar panel installations are provided. The racking assemblies may include a series of posts arranged in two parallel rows and anchored to the ground or other suitable surface. Purlins may be coupled to and may span the posts of each row. Specialized clamps may be used to attach the purlins to a series of mounting rails. The mounting rails, in turn, may support an array of solar modules.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2012Publication date: October 25, 2012Applicant: MAINSTREAM ENERGY CORPORATIONInventor: Greg McPheeters
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Patent number: 8251326Abstract: A clamp described herein can secure a solar cell array to a seam of a standing seam metal roof. The clamp has a cam that is rotated by the tightening of a bolt to cause the cam to engage the seam. The clamp also has a receiver for receiving the seam and the rotated cam. By installing the clamp on the seam, the solar cell array can be secured to the standing seam metal roof without drilling into the roof. Because no screws are required to be drilled into the rooftop, the damage to the rooftop is substantially reduced. Also, by reversing the process described above, the clamp can be uninstalled in a similar fashion.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2009Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: Mainstream Energy CorporationInventor: Greg McPheeters
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Patent number: 8250829Abstract: Exemplary systems and methods described herein can be used to secure a rail to a module or the rail to a support using a nut that can be inserted at a desired point of mounting. Another exemplary system describes a flashing to be inserted under a roof shingle, wherein the flashing is secured to a support for a rail or module. Yet another exemplary system describes a clamp that secures a rail or module and is adjustable along the length of a post. Spacers can be added to the post to extend the adjustment range of the clamp.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2009Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: Mainstream Energy CorporationInventors: Greg McPheeters, Chris Oestreich, Ethan Miller
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Publication number: 20120085394Abstract: Snap-in mounting systems for laminate solar panels are provided. The laminate solar panels can include laminate strips that can be snapped into mounting rails. The mounting rails may be coupled to racking rails for structural support and may include locking mechanisms for additional support and theft deterrence. An entire system may include a number of racking rails, mounting rails, and solar panels.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2011Publication date: April 12, 2012Applicant: MAINSTREAM ENERGY CORPORATIONInventors: Greg McPheeters, Ethan Miller