Abstract: A clamp assembly includes a clamp with a lateral edge support portion that extends in a first direction to support against a lateral edge of the module. A flange extends in a second direction transverse to the first direction to clamp against an upper surface of the solar panel module in coordination with the lateral edge support portion. A nut is configured to align with the clamp. The nut receives a fastener. The nut has an outer surface to engage the second surface of the lateral edge support portion to prevent rotation of the nut. A connection member extends from the nut in a position that is fixed. A head of the connection member is shaped such that, in a first orientation, the head is accommodated passage through a slot in the intermediary member, and in a second orientation, the head is prevented from passage through the slot.

Abstract: A clamping mechanism includes a body defining a first end, a second end, a module engagement component disposed proximate to the first end, and a clamp actuation component disposed proximate to the second end. The module engagement component engages a portion of a solar module frame. The clamping mechanism includes a rail engagement component that engages at least a portion of a rail to which the solar module frame couples. The clamping mechanism includes a fastener that engages the clamp actuation component for imparting movement to the module engagement component such that the module engagement component engages the portion of the solar module frame.

Abstract: An optical bonding machine is provided that includes a robotic placement machine having a Z axis actuator coupled to a first end of a base portion of the robotic placement machine, the Z axis actuator capable of moving up and down a Z axis, and a pick and place plate operably connected to the Z axis actuator, and a vertically oriented adhesive application valve configured to apply an amount of adhesive onto an underside of a substrate, the underside of the substrate facing down when the amount of adhesive is applied, wherein the pick-and-place plate of the robotic placement machine manipulates the substrate within the optical bonding machine such that the substrate receives the amount of adhesive prior to being optically bonded to an other substrate; wherein a movement of the robotic placement machine is controllable over at least 3 axes.

Abstract: A wire management clip for positioning and securing wires, cables, and other components relative to a rail, such as a rail of a modular rail system. The wire management clip includes a body that defines a passage through which a securing device may be inserted to secure the wires, cables, or components to the wire management clip. The wire management clip includes an interface surface against which the wires press when secured by the securing device. The wire management clip also includes a second interface for frictionally interfacing with the rail to resist movement of the wire management clip after installation on the rail.

Abstract: A ballast system includes a first ballast tray and a second ballast tray. The first ballast tray has a first side profile including a south leg connected to a north leg. The second ballast tray has a second side profile that is different than the first side profile. A length of the north leg of the second side profile is greater than a length of the south leg of the first side profile, and a height of the north leg of the second side profile is substantially equal to a height of the south leg of the first side profile. The north leg of the second side profile includes a curvature so as to partially curve toward the south leg of the second side profile.

Abstract: An adhesive application valve comprising an applicator, a Z-axis actuator operably connected to the applicator, wherein the Z-axis actuator and the rotation device are each capable of moving independently of each other to position the applicator in a position to apply an amount of adhesive to a top substrate prior to bonding with a bottom substrate is provided. Furthermore, a machine comprising an end effector, and an adhesive application valve configured to apply an amount of adhesive onto the top substrate, the end effector configured to place the top substrate into a position of engagement with the adhesive application valve, and place the top substrate onto the bottom substrate to facilitate initial contact between the adhesive applied to the top substrate and a fill material applied to the bottom substrate is also provided. A method of optical bonding is further provided.

Abstract: A valve including a feed mechanism, a mixing element operably connected to the feed mechanism, wherein the feed mechanism delivers at least two fluids to the mixing element, the at least two fluids being mixed in the mixing element, and an air cap disposed proximate an outlet of the mixing element to atomize the mixed fluids exiting the outlet of the mixing element, is provided. Furthermore, an associated method is also provided.

Abstract: A valve including a feed mechanism, a mixing element operably connected to the feed mechanism, wherein the feed mechanism delivers at least two fluids to the mixing element, the at least two fluids being mixed in the mixing element, and an air cap disposed proximate an outlet of the mixing element to atomize the mixed fluids exiting the outlet of the mixing element, is provided. Furthermore, an associated method is also provided.

Abstract: A mounting system includes a base to mount to a surface, a mounting bracket to mount over the base and to the surface, a clamp for attaching to the mounting bracket and securing a rail segment, and a bonding clamp to mount to the rail segment and secure a solar panel module thereto.

Abstract: A method for controlling a dispensing system is provided, including the steps of dispensing, by a dispensing device, a coating material onto a substrate according to a first dispensing operation, inspecting, by an inspection device integrated with the dispensing device, the coating material applied to the first substrate, and altering the first dispensing operation based on the inspecting so that the coating material is dispensed onto a subsequent substrate according to a second dispensing operation. An associated coating machine is also provided.

Abstract: A clamp assembly includes a clamp with a lateral edge support portion that extends in a first direction to support against a lateral edge of the module. A flange extends in a second direction transverse to the first direction to clamp against an upper surface of the solar panel module in coordination with the lateral edge support portion. A nut is configured to align with the clamp. The nut receives a fastener. The nut has an outer surface to engage the second surface of the lateral edge support portion to prevent rotation of the nut. A connection member extends from the nut in a position that is fixed. A head of the connection member is shaped such that, in a first orientation, the head is accommodated passage through a slot in the intermediary member, and in a second orientation, the head is prevented from passage through the slot.

Abstract: Optically bonding a first substrate to a second substrate, or vice versa, by contacting an adhesive on the second substrate with a fill material of the first substrate.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure involve an exercise device including a base member, a pair of tower members, and a strap. The base member includes a substantially planar bottom surface, a top surface opposite the bottom surface, and an opening extending through the top and bottom surfaces. The pair of tower members extends upward from opposite ends of the top surface of the base member. The strap releasably secures to each of the pair of tower members at a chosen height and with a chosen amount of slack. The strap includes a handle positioned between a first end and a second end of the strap, wherein the chosen amount of slack of the strap is adjustable by coupling the strap to each of the pair of tower members at different positions on the strap.

Abstract: An optical bonding machine is provided, including a transparent datum located within the optical bonding machine, wherein the transparent datum supports a first substrate, a robotic placement head configured to pick up a second substrate and place the second substrate into contact with the first substrate, on the transparent datum, a camera disposed proximate the transparent datum, the camera capturing a video of a flow of an optically clear adhesive between the first substrate and the second substrate, and a curing source disposed proximate the transparent datum, the curing source emitting UV rays that pass through the transparent datum and the first substrate to cure an optically clear adhesive between a bonded substrate comprising the first substrate, the optically clear adhesive, and the second substrate. An associated method is also provided.

Abstract: A dispensing assembly is provided that dispenses a dispensing fluid onto a substrate from a nozzle located on the dispensing assembly, wherein, when the dispensing assembly stops dispensing a dispensing fluid from the outlet, a gas is directed at a tip of the nozzle to clean off a residue of the dispensing fluid left on the tip of the nozzle.

Abstract: A dispensing assembly is provided that dispenses a dispensing fluid onto a substrate from a nozzle located on the dispensing assembly, wherein, when the dispensing assembly stops dispensing a dispensing fluid from the outlet, a gas is directed at a tip of the nozzle to clean off a residue of the dispensing fluid left on the tip of the nozzle.

Abstract: A method is provided, including operably coupling a dispensing assembly to an end effector, wherein the dispensing assembly dispenses a dispensing fluid onto a substrate from a nozzle located on the dispensing assembly, wherein, when the dispensing assembly stops dispensing a dispensing fluid from the outlet, compressed gas is directed at a tip of the nozzle to clean off a residue of the dispensing fluid left on the tip of the nozzle.

Abstract: A robotic placement machine including a base operably connected to the Y axis actuator and the X axis actuator, a first Z axis actuator coupled to the first end of the base, the first Z axis actuator capable of moving up and down a first Z axis, a second Z axis actuator coupled to the second end of the base, the second Z axis actuator capable of moving up and down a second Z axis, and a pick and place plate operably connected to the first Z axis actuator and the second Z axis actuator, wherein the first Z axis actuator and the second Z axis actuator are each capable of moving independently of each other to tilt the pick and place plate is provided. Furthermore, a system comprising a first machine, second machine, and third machine to eliminate air bubbles when bonding two substrates is also provided. A method of optical bonding is further provided.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure involve an exercise device including a base member, a pair of tower members, and a strap. The base member includes a substantially planar bottom surface, a top surface opposite the bottom surface, and an opening extending through the top and bottom surfaces. The pair of tower members extends upward from opposite ends of the top surface of the base member. The strap releasably secures to each of the pair of tower members at a chosen height and with a chosen amount of slack. The strap includes a handle positioned between a first end and a second end of the strap, wherein the chosen amount of slack of the strap is adjustable by coupling the strap to each of the pair of tower members at different positions on the strap.

Abstract: An adhesive application valve comprising an applicator, a Z-axis actuator operably connected to the applicator, wherein the Z-axis actuator and the rotation device are each capable of moving independently of each other to position the applicator in a position to apply an amount of adhesive to a top substrate prior to bonding with a bottom substrate is provided. Furthermore, a machine comprising an end effector, and an adhesive application valve configured to apply an amount of adhesive onto the top substrate, the end effector configured to place the top substrate into a position of engagement with the adhesive application valve, and place the top substrate onto the bottom substrate to facilitate initial contact between the adhesive applied to the top substrate and a fill material applied to the bottom substrate is also provided. A method of optical bonding is further provided.