Patents by Inventor Kevin K. Mackamul

Kevin K. Mackamul 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: 6065255
    Abstract: A structure for mounting a planar array of photovoltaic panels to a roof is formed from a set of parallel spaced juxtaposed rails which are intersected by a set of parallel spaced juxtaposed runners that extend perpendicular to the rails. Both the runners and the rails are formed of sheet metal and are shaped in cross section so as to partially surround a space. Both the rails and the runners have upwardly opening apertures bordered by flanges. The flanges of the rails are coplanar with the flanges of the runners. The photovoltaic modules rest on the flanges, thereby covering the apertures and enclosing the space within the rails and the runners. This space serves as a protective raceway for the electrical interconnections and wiring. Because the entire structure is a single electrical conductor, grounding of the modules is simplified. Compared to other mounting systems, the structure is lighter in weight, simpler to install, extremely strong, and protective of the electrical interconnections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Kyocera Solar, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J Stern, Gilbert Duran, Kevin K. Mackamul
  • Patent number: 4584427
    Abstract: A thin film solar cell structure having a free metal layer between a transparent conductor front face contact and the front face surface of the actual thin film photovoltaic device. The free metal, preferably tin, may be formed by glow discharge reduction of the transparent conductor surface or by direct deposition of free metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1986
    Assignee: Atlantic Richfield Company
    Inventors: Kevin K. Mackamul, Don L. Morel, David P. Tanner