Patents by Inventor Kevin Niebel

Kevin Niebel 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).

  • Electrical test apparatus for a photovoltaic component
    Patent number: 9312806
    Abstract: The present invention relates to electrical test apparatuses for photovoltaic modules and methods of testing photovoltaic modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: First Solar, Inc.
    Inventors: Pat Buehler, David Kahle, Matthew J. Mattin, Kevin Niebel
  • Electrical test apparatus for a photovoltaic component
    Patent number: 9306491
    Abstract: The present invention relates to electrical test apparatuses for photovoltaic components and methods of testing photovoltaic components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: First Solar, Inc.
    Inventors: Pat Buehler, David Kahle, Matthew J. Mattin, Kevin Niebel
  • Method and apparatus providing temperature uniformity
    Patent number: 9234857
    Abstract: A temperature uniformity device controls the temperature and temperature uniformity of an object such as a photovoltaic module undergoing testing. The temperature uniformity device includes a thermal conductivity device and a pliable thermally conductive interface material inserted between the object and the thermal conductivity device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: FIRST SOLAR, INC.
    Inventors: Kevin Niebel, James Sorensen, Patrick Buehler
  • Mechanical load testing system and pressure applicator for a photovoltaic device
    Patent number: 8534134
    Abstract: A system for determining load capacity for a photovoltaic module includes a clip to position a photovoltaic module surface at a load test position and a load test device proximate to the clip, including a pressure applicator and an actuator, wherein the actuator is capable of moving the pressure applicator toward the load test position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: First Solar, Inc.
    Inventors: Pat Buehler, David Kahle, Kevin Niebel, Geoffrey Dean Rich
  • ELECTRICAL TEST APPARATUS FOR A PHOTOVOLTAIC COMPONENT
    Publication number: 20120293182
    Abstract: The present invention relates to electrical test apparatuses for photovoltaic components and methods of testing photovoltaic components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventors: PAT BUEHLER, David Kahle, Matthew J. Mattin, Kevin Niebel
  • ELECTRICAL TEST APPARATUS FOR A PHOTOVOLTAIC COMPONENT
    Publication number: 20120268149
    Abstract: The present invention relates to electrical test apparatuses for photovoltaic modules and methods of testing photovoltaic modules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventors: Pat Buehler, David Kahle, Matthew J. Mattin, Kevin Niebel
  • MECHANICAL LOAD TESTING SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20110283806
    Abstract: A system for determining load capacity for a photovoltaic module includes a clip to position a photovoltaic module surface at a load test position and a load test device proximate to the clip, including a pressure applicator and an actuator, wherein the actuator is capable of moving the pressure applicator toward the load test position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventors: Pat Buehler, David Kahle, Kevin Niebel, Geoffrey Dean Rich
  • Drive shaft having an insert damper
    Publication number: 20050049054
    Abstract: An insert damper for assembly in a tubular drive shaft of a motor vehicle includes a tubular sleeve, a helically wound, resiliently deformable wiper secured to the sleeve, and a corrugated winding secured to the sleeve. The wiper includes an arcuate bead in the form of an arch that spans mutually spaced supports. The insert damper is sized to fit in the bore of the drive shaft such that the bead frictionally engages the surface of the bore and secures the insert in place within the shaft with a resilient press fit. The bead projects radially outward toward the bore beyond the radially outer surface of the winding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Publication date: March 3, 2005
    Inventors: Ryan Laskey, John Hickey, Kevin Niebel
  • Moving platform/target system
    Patent number: 5848791
    Abstract: A moving platform/target system (10) for traveling along a predetermined path. The moving platform/target system (10) includes a track (14) defining a predetermined path and a platform (12) engaging the track (14) for movement along the track (14). The platform (12) includes a housing from which wheels (22) extends from opposite sides thereof and facing parallel to the track (14). A guiding device (26, 28) extends from the housing and engages the track (14), retaining the platform (12) in alignment with the track (14). A power circuit (62, 64, 66, 68, 70) is positioned within the housing and is connected to turn the wheels (22) and impart motion to the platform (12). A sensor (32) senses a position of the platform (12) and pauses the forward motion upon sensing a predetermined position along the track (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Inventors: Christopher P. Beyer, Kevin Niebel