Patents by Inventor John C. Patton

John C. Patton 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: 20240297614
    Abstract: A mounting system may be provided for a solar panel and may include a frame having a first frame section and a first support structure. The first frame section may include an elongated piece of framework material having a first end and a second end, wherein the first and second ends define a lengthwise dimension. A lengthwise fold may define an intersection of a frame sidewall with a bottom flange, wherein at least a portion the frame sidewall extends above the bottom flange. A first wall opening may be provided in the frame sidewall. A panel containment structure may be provided at an upper portion of the frame sidewall and may include a lower shelf extending from the frame sidewall. The panel containment structure may engage a bottom surface of the solar panel at a first panel edge area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2022
    Publication date: September 5, 2024
    Inventors: Eric Hafter, John C. Patton
  • Publication number: 20240266994
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention may provide an elongated single piece of framework (59) which may be bent around a corner (46) perhaps for form an about 90 degree angle (61). An elongated single piece of framework (59) may have a first end (49) and a second end (50) which may be joined to each other or may be joined to other ends of a separate framework. A partial frame (48) or even a rectangular panel framework (3) may be created from at least one of an elongated single piece of framework which may frame a solar panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2024
    Publication date: August 8, 2024
    Inventors: John C. Patton, Eric Hafter
  • Publication number: 20240258964
    Abstract: A frame (101) for supporting a solar panel (190) may include at least a first frame section (201-1), having a bottom flange (604) provided at a base of the first frame section (601) and a frame sidewall (603). A panel containment structure (191), at an upper portion of the frame sidewall, may have a lower shelf (105) extending from the sidewall (603). One or more reinforced mounting holes (822) may be provided in the bottom flange (804), in the frame sidewall (903), or both in the bottom flange and in the frame sidewall. The bottom flange, frame sidewall. (10) and panel containment structure may be formed at least in part from folds (102) provided in a single piece of first framework material, the first framework material having an average thickness. One or more reinforced mounting holes may include an opening having a depth greater than the framework thickness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2022
    Publication date: August 1, 2024
    Inventors: Eric L. Hafter, John C. Patton
  • Publication number: 20240186945
    Abstract: A frame (101) for at least partially enclosing or supporting a panel (190) is provided. The frame may include at least a first frame section (201-1) including a bottom flange (104) provided at a base of the frame section. A frame sidewall (103) may be provided at an outer portion of the frame section, the frame sidewall characterized by a height H extending from the bottom flange (104). A panel containment structure (101-1) may be provided at an upper portion of the frame sidewall (103), the panel containment structure including a lower shelf (105) extending from the frame sidewall. A support wall (431-1) may be provided at an inner portion of the frame section (201-1), the support wall extending (i) between the bottom flange (104) and the frame sidewall (103). (ii) between the bottom flange (104) and the lower shelf (105), or (iii) both (i) and (ii).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2022
    Publication date: June 6, 2024
    Inventors: Mr. John C. Patton, Mr. Eric L. Hafter, Mr. Tyler Hudson
  • Publication number: 20240186944
    Abstract: A frame precursor structure (201) is provided for use in forming a frame (101) that encloses at least a portion of a panel (190). The frame precursor structure may include a framework material having a first end (210) and a second end (220), the first and second ends defining a lengthwise dimension. A lengthwise fold (102) may define an intersection of a frame sidewall (103) with a bottom flange (104). A first corner bend precursor axis (212) on the frame sidewall may define the interface of a first frame section (201-1) with a second frame section (201-2). The sidewall at the first corner bend precursor axis (212) may be bendable along its height axis. The bottom flange may include a first notch (212N) at the first corner bend precursor axis (212).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2022
    Publication date: June 6, 2024
    Inventors: Eric L. Hafter, John C. Patton
  • Patent number: 11996802
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention may provide an elongated single piece of framework (59) which may be bent around a corner (46) perhaps for form an about 90 degree angle (61). An elongated single piece of framework (59) may have a first end (49) and a second end (50) which may be joined to each other or may be joined to other ends of a separate framework. A partial frame (48) or even a rectangular panel framework (3) may be created from at least one of an elongated single piece of framework which may frame a solar panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2024
    Assignee: Origami Solar, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Patton, Eric Hafter
  • Patent number: 11859870
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide rigid attachment of materials using a roof mount, a cover, and a resilience constituent. A roof mount may have a top roof mount and bottom roof mount. A resilience constituent may be a ring, a disk with a middle ridge or even an arched disk or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Patton Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: John C. Patton
  • Publication number: 20220302872
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention may provide an elongated single piece of framework (59) which may be bent around a corner (46) perhaps for form an about 90 degree angle (61). An elongated single piece of framework (59) may have a first end (49) and a second end (50) which may be joined to each other or may be joined to other ends of a separate framework. A partial frame (48) or even a rectangular panel framework (3) may be created from at least one of an elongated single piece of framework which may frame a solar panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2020
    Publication date: September 22, 2022
    Inventors: John C. Patton, Eric Hafter
  • Publication number: 20200400272
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide rigid attachment of materials using a roof mount, a cover, and a resilience constituent. A roof mount may have a top roof mount and bottom roof mount. A resilience constituent may be a ring, a disk with a middle ridge or even an arched disk or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Inventor: John C. Patton
  • Patent number: 10594254
    Abstract: A folded down support (12) allows for stronger solar panels (10) and the support replaces most of the solar racking required for solar installation which further reduces the cost of the photovoltaic solar system. The solar panels (10) can be arranged so that solar panels form a solar collector solar panel array. The solar panel (10) can be set on a surface by itself or with ballast (43). It can also be attached to the surface by fastening the solar panel to the side supports. If the solar panel frame and supports are electrically conductive, the design allows for self electrical grounding between these conductive parts when the side supports are pivoted to the down position. The folded up support allows for high density storage and shipping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Patton Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: John C. Patton
  • Publication number: 20190036484
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include solar power attachment systems between a photovoltaic layer (19) and at least one protuberant limb (130); novel cooling systems with the use of conductive layers (32); and even PV cell connection systems which may provide both electrical connections and cell cooling systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2016
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Inventor: John C. Patton
  • Publication number: 20180331651
    Abstract: A folded down support (12) allows for stronger solar panels (10) and the support replaces most of the solar racking required for solar installation which further reduces the cost of the photovoltaic solar system. The solar panels (10) can be arranged so that solar panels form a solar collector solar panel array. The solar panel (10) can be set on a surface by itself or with ballast (43). It can also be attached to the surface by fastening the solar panel to the side supports. If the solar panel frame and supports are electrically conductive, the design allows for self electrical grounding between these conductive parts when the side supports are pivoted to the down position. The folded up support allows for high density storage and shipping.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2018
    Publication date: November 15, 2018
    Inventor: John C. Patton
  • Patent number: 10079570
    Abstract: Solar panel array with a plurality of solar panels on support system attached at corners or off such corners for foundation structure needs and irregularities secured to roof by lag bolt with mount channel and flashing pre-assembled into mount by crimp for positive seal and mount riser height adjustable can include bilateral or quadrilateral mounts, a coupler seat to affix panel to mount and lateral movement seat for solar panel, and different clamps including wedge clamps, top restraints, lip end clamps, side support clamps, compression clamps, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: Ironridge, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Patton, Todd Lindstrom, Eric Hafter
  • Patent number: 10063183
    Abstract: A folded down support (12) allows for stronger solar panels (10) and the support replaces most of the solar racking required for solar installation which further reduces the cost of the photovoltaic solar system. The solar panels (10) can be arranged so that solar panels form a solar collector solar panel array. The solar panel (10) can be set on a surface by itself or with ballast (43). It can also be attached to the surface by fastening the solar panel to the side supports. If the solar panel frame and supports are electrically conductive, the design allows for self electrical grounding between these conductive parts when the side supports are pivoted to the down position. The folded up support allows for high density storage and shipping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Patton Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: John C. Patton
  • Publication number: 20170244354
    Abstract: A solar power system is mounted to a solar power componentry support structure suspended above a pre-existing surface by a collective of solar collector suspension base supports. Suspended solar power system row support structure members and suspended solar power system column support structure members may for a solar component position lattice to which a matrix of individual solar power components such as solar panels can be attached. Solar module quick-fasten assemblages may serve also as solar componentry emergency releases and may include loose axis retainers and firm axis fasteners such as dual component, single point operative emergency releases and fasteners. Slide-in retainers and corner slot tabs can be included as well as frame alignment notches. Fulcrum pivot fasteners and slide wedge releases can aid in installation and release. Pre-sealed roof base supports such as semidome base supports can include a sandwiched membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2017
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Inventors: John C. Patton, YangLin Li, ZhengXue Zhang, Eric L. Hafter
  • Patent number: 9647607
    Abstract: A solar power system is mounted to a solar power componentry support structure suspended above a pre-existing surface by a collective of solar collector suspension base supports. Suspended solar power system row support structure members and suspended solar power system column support structure members may for a solar component position lattice to which a matrix of individual solar power components such as solar panels can be attached. Solar module quick-fasten assemblages may serve also as solar componentry emergency releases and may include loose axis retainers and firm axis fasteners such as dual component, single point operative emergency releases and fasteners. Slide-in retainers and corner slot tabs can be included as well as frame alignment notches. Fulcrum pivot fasteners and slide wedge releases can aid in installation and release. Pre-sealed roof base supports such as semidome base supports can include a sandwiched membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Sustainable Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John C. Patton, YangLin Li, ZhengXue Zhang, Eric L. Hafter
  • Publication number: 20160315580
    Abstract: A folded down support (12) allows for stronger solar panels (10) and the support replaces most of the solar racking required for solar installation which further reduces the cost of the photovoltaic solar system. The solar panels (10) can be arranged so that solar panels form a solar collector solar panel array. The solar panel (10) can be set on a surface by itself or with ballast (43). It can also be attached to the surface by fastening the solar panel to the side supports. If the solar panel frame and supports are electrically conductive, the design allows for self electrical grounding between these conductive parts when the side supports are pivoted to the down position. The folded up support allows for high density storage and shipping.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2014
    Publication date: October 27, 2016
    Inventor: John C. Patton
  • Patent number: 9479110
    Abstract: A solar power system is mounted to a solar power componentry support structure suspended above a pre-existing surface by a collective of solar collector suspension base supports. Suspended solar power system row support structure members and suspended solar power system column support structure members may for a solar component position lattice to which a matrix of individual solar power components such as solar panels can be attached. Solar module quick-fasten assemblages may serve also as solar componentry emergency releases and may include loose axis retainers and firm axis fasteners such as dual component, single point operative emergency releases and fasteners. Slide-in retainers and corner slot tabs can be included as well as frame alignment notches. Fulcrum pivot fasteners and slide wedge releases can aid in installation and release. Pre-sealed roof base supports such as semidome base supports can include a sandwiched membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Sustainable Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John C. Patton, YangLin Li, ZhengXue Zhang, Eric L. Hafter
  • Publication number: 20160020722
    Abstract: A solar power system is mounted to a solar power componentry support structure suspended above a pre-existing surface by a collective of solar collector suspension base supports. Suspended solar power system row support structure members and suspended solar power system column support structure members may for a solar component position lattice to which a matrix of individual solar power components such as solar panels can be attached. Solar module quick-fasten assemblages may serve also as solar componentry emergency releases and may include loose axis retainers and firm axis fasteners such as dual component, single point operative emergency releases and fasteners. Slide-in retainers and corner slot tabs can be included as well as frame alignment notches. Fulcrum pivot fasteners and slide wedge releases can aid in installation and release. Pre-sealed roof base supports such as semidome base supports can include a sandwiched membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: John C. Patton, YangLin Li, ZhengXue Zhang, Eric L. Hafter
  • Publication number: 20150326171
    Abstract: A solar power system is mounted to a solar power componentry support structure suspended above a pre-existing surface by a collective of solar collector suspension base supports. Suspended solar power system row support structure members and suspended solar power system column support structure members may for a solar component position lattice to which a matrix of individual solar power components such as solar panels can be attached. Solar module quick-fasten assemblages may serve also as solar componentry emergency releases and may include loose axis retainers and firm axis fasteners such as dual component, single point operative emergency releases and fasteners. Slide-in retainers and corner slot tabs can be included as well as frame alignment notches. Fulcrum pivot fasteners and slide wedge releases can aid in installation and release. Pre-sealed roof base supports such as semidome base supports can include a sandwiched membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2015
    Publication date: November 12, 2015
    Inventors: John C. Patton, YangLin Li, ZhengXue Zhang, Eric L. Hafter