Patents by Inventor Lucas Creasy
Lucas Creasy 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: 11973460Abstract: A mounting bracket assembly comprising may include an upper region with flat portions on either end that interface with a photovoltaic (PV) module and a lower portion in between the flat portions, and a central portion at least partially surrounding a hole shaped to accommodate a torsion beam. The mounting bracket assembly may also include side portions extending from the ends of the upper region to below the hole shaped to accommodate the torsion beam, and a first outer lining along a periphery of the mounting bracket assembly. The mounting bracket assembly may also include a second outer lining along the hole shaped to accommodate the torsion beam, and multiple ribs extending between the first outer lining and the second outer lining.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2021Date of Patent: April 30, 2024Assignee: ARRAY TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Nathan Schuknecht, Lucas Creasy, Jason Addink, Andrew Chase
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Patent number: 11962269Abstract: A method of forming a module clamp of a photovoltaic module support structure may include cutting a folding pattern into a sheet of metal. The folding pattern may include one or more width-wise slits relative to the sheet of metal, one or more length-wise slits relative to the sheet of metal, and a hole. The method may include stamping one or more first features onto the sheet of metal to form a stamped sheet and folding the stamped sheet along the one or more width-wise slits and the one or more length-wise slits to form a preliminary module clamp. The method may include stamping one or more second features onto the preliminary module clamp to form the module clamp.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2022Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: ARRAY TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Lucas Creasy, Nathan Schuknecht, Benjamin C. de Fresart
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Patent number: 11946506Abstract: A torque tube coupler may include an outer body that includes a first abutting surface and a second abutting surface adjacent to the first abutting surface. Set screws may be inserted into one or more channels of the first abutting surface. Tightening the set screws may force the abutting surfaces away from each other and the outer body to press against an inner surface of a torque tube. Another embodiment of the torque tube coupler may include a central ring sized based on a size of a torque tube. The torque tube coupler may also include a set of fingers that extend away from a first side of the central ring and are shaped to flex radially outward. The torque tube coupler may include a core disposed within the set of fingers that, when drawn towards the central ring, causes the fingers to flex radially outwards.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2023Date of Patent: April 2, 2024Assignee: ARRAY TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Lucas Creasy, Nikhil Kumar, James Fusaro, Kenyon Bradley, Daniel Smith
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Patent number: 11886211Abstract: A method may include orienting a set of solar power units in a first position in which rows of solar power units are shaded by adjacent rows of solar power units; and monitoring energy generated by the set of solar power units over a window of time, that includes from when the set of solar power units are oriented in the first position until a sun angle corresponds to none of the rows being shaded by the adjacent rows. The method may include identifying a knee in energy generation during the first window of time, where the knee indicates a transition from higher to lower rates of change of energy generation at a given solar angle. The method may include plotting a trajectory of future orientation positions over time of the set of solar power units that include an orientation and time corresponding to the given solar angle.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2022Date of Patent: January 30, 2024Assignee: ARRAY TECH, INC.Inventors: Kyumin Lee, Lucas Creasy, Jon Sharp, Lars Tomasson, Sourav Gur
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Publication number: 20240030861Abstract: A method may include positioning one or more PV module mounting devices along a length of a structural component. The method may include specifying one or more parameters related to fastening the PV module mounting devices to the structural component, the one or more parameters indicating a spacing between the PV module mounting devices. The method may include fastening, by an automated attachment equipment, the PV module mounting devices to the structural component based on the specified parameters and moving the PV module mounting devices fastened to the structural component to an assembly platform.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2023Publication date: January 25, 2024Applicant: Array Tech, Inc.Inventors: Nathan Schuknecht, Lucas Creasy
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Patent number: 11817819Abstract: A method may include positioning one or more PV module mounting devices along a length of a structural component. The method may include specifying one or more parameters related to fastening the PV module mounting devices to the structural component, the one or more parameters indicating a spacing between the PV module mounting devices. The method may include fastening, by an automated attachment equipment, the PV module mounting devices to the structural component based on the specified parameters and moving the PV module mounting devices fastened to the structural component to an assembly platform.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2022Date of Patent: November 14, 2023Assignee: ARRAY TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Nathan Schuknecht, Lucas Creasy
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Patent number: 11799417Abstract: An extension panel may include a mating surface shaped to interface with a back surface of a clamp that includes a mounting hole corresponding to a bolt slot in the back surface of the clamp to accommodate a single bolt passing through the extension panel and the clamp. The extension panel may also include a pair of flanges projecting outward from the mating surface and positioned to be on either side of the clamp. The extension panel may also include a flat top surface generally parallel and aligned linearly with another flat top surface of a flexible member. The extension flat top surface may be sized to be approximately a same width as the flexible member at a first end of the extension flat top surface proximate the mating surface and may flare out as the extension flat top surface extends away from the flexible member.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2022Date of Patent: October 24, 2023Assignee: ARRAY TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Nathan Schuknecht, Todd Andersen, Lucas Creasy
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Publication number: 20230213050Abstract: A first embodiment of a torque tube coupler may include an outer body that includes a first abutting surface and a second abutting surface adjacent to the first abutting surface. Set screws may be inserted into one or more channels of the first abutting surface. Tightening the set screws may force the abutting surfaces away from each other and the outer body to press against an inner surface of a torque tube. Another embodiment of the torque tube coupler may include a central ring sized based on a size of a torque tube. The torque tube coupler may also include a set of fingers that extend away from a first side of the central ring and are shaped to flex radially outward. The torque tube coupler may include a core disposed within the set of fingers that, when drawn towards the central ring, causes the fingers to flex radially outwards.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2023Publication date: July 6, 2023Inventors: Lucas Creasy, Nikhil Kumar, James Fusaro, Kenyon Bradley, Daniel Smith
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Publication number: 20230114763Abstract: An extension panel may include a mating surface shaped to interface with a back surface of a clamp that includes a mounting hole corresponding to a bolt slot in the back surface of the clamp to accommodate a single bolt passing through the extension panel and the clamp. The extension panel may also include a pair of flanges projecting outward from the mating surface and positioned to be on either side of the clamp. The extension panel may also include a flat top surface generally parallel and aligned linearly with another flat top surface of a flexible member. The extension flat top surface may be sized to be approximately a same width as the flexible member at a first end of the extension flat top surface proximate the mating surface and may flare out as the extension flat top surface extends away from the flexible member.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2022Publication date: April 13, 2023Inventors: Nathan Schuknecht, Todd Andersen, Lucas Creasy
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Patent number: 11592046Abstract: A first embodiment of a torque tube coupler may include an outer body that includes a first abutting surface and a second abutting surface adjacent to the first abutting surface. Set screws may be inserted into one or more channels of the first abutting surface. Tightening the set screws may force the abutting surfaces away from each other and the outer body to press against an inner surface of a torque tube. Another embodiment of the torque tube coupler may include a central ring sized based on a size of a torque tube. The torque tube coupler may also include a set of fingers that extend away from a first side of the central ring and are shaped to flex radially outward. The torque tube coupler may include a core disposed within the set of fingers that, when drawn towards the central ring, causes the fingers to flex radially outwards.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2021Date of Patent: February 28, 2023Assignee: ARRAY TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Lucas Creasy, Nikhil Kumar, James Fusaro, Kenyon Bradley, Daniel Smith
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Publication number: 20230015330Abstract: A method may include positioning one or more PV module mounting devices along a length of a structural component. The method may include specifying one or more parameters related to fastening the PV module mounting devices to the structural component, the one or more parameters indicating a spacing between the PV module mounting devices. The method may include fastening, by an automated attachment equipment, the PV module mounting devices to the structural component based on the specified parameters and moving the PV module mounting devices fastened to the structural component to an assembly platform.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2022Publication date: January 19, 2023Applicant: Array Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Nathan Schuknecht, Lucas Creasy
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Publication number: 20230006601Abstract: A method may include obtaining a normal set point of a solar panel and a wind velocity measurement corresponding to wind that affects the solar panel. The method may include determining an allowable range of tilt angles according to a first lookup table that describes a relationship between the wind velocity measurement and the allowable range of tilt angles. The method may include identifying whether the normal set point of the solar panel is outside of the allowable range of tilt angles, and responsive to identifying that the normal set point of the solar panel is outside of the allowable range of tilt angles, determining a temporary stow set point. The method may include rotating the solar panel to the temporary stow set point.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2022Publication date: January 5, 2023Inventors: Lucas Creasy, Todd DarVel Andersen, Jon Andrew Sharp, James John Stoshak, Sanket Shah, James Fusaro
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Patent number: 11527988Abstract: An extension panel may include a mating surface shaped to interface with a back surface of a clamp that includes a mounting hole corresponding to a bolt slot in the back surface of the clamp to accommodate a single bolt passing through the extension panel and the clamp. The extension panel may also include a pair of flanges projecting outward from the mating surface and positioned to be on either side of the clamp. The extension panel may also include a flat top surface generally parallel and aligned linearly with another flat top surface of a flexible member. The extension flat top surface may be sized to be approximately a same width as the flexible member at a first end of the extension flat top surface proximate the mating surface and may flare out as the extension flat top surface extends away from the flexible member.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2020Date of Patent: December 13, 2022Assignee: ARRAY TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Nathan Schuknecht, Todd Andersen, Lucas Creasy
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Publication number: 20220308600Abstract: A method may include orienting a set of solar power units in a first position in which rows of solar power units are shaded by adjacent rows of solar power units; and monitoring energy generated by the set of solar power units over a window of time, that includes from when the set of solar power units are oriented in the first position until a sun angle corresponds to none of the rows being shaded by the adjacent rows. The method may include identifying a knee in energy generation during the first window of time, where the knee indicates a transition from higher to lower rates of change of energy generation at a given solar angle. The method may include plotting a trajectory of future orientation positions over time of the set of solar power units that include an orientation and time corresponding to the given solar angle.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2022Publication date: September 29, 2022Applicant: ARRAY TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Kyumin Lee, Lucas Creasy, Jon Sharp, Lars Tomasson, Sourav Gur
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Publication number: 20220294386Abstract: A method of forming a module clamp of a photovoltaic module support structure may include cutting a folding pattern into a sheet of metal. The folding pattern may include one or more width-wise slits relative to the sheet of metal, one or more length-wise slits relative to the sheet of metal, and a hole. The method may include stamping one or more first features onto the sheet of metal to form a stamped sheet and folding the stamped sheet along the one or more width-wise slits and the one or more length-wise slits to form a preliminary module clamp. The method may include stamping one or more second features onto the preliminary module clamp to form the module clamp.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2022Publication date: September 15, 2022Inventors: Lucas Creasy, Nathan Schuknecht, Benjamin C. de Fresart
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Patent number: 11437949Abstract: A method may include obtaining a normal set point of a solar panel and a wind velocity measurement corresponding to wind that affects the solar panel. The method may include determining an allowable range of tilt angles according to a first lookup table that describes a relationship between the wind velocity measurement and the allowable range of tilt angles. The method may include identifying whether the normal set point of the solar panel is outside of the allowable range of tilt angles, and responsive to identifying that the normal set point of the solar panel is outside of the allowable range of tilt angles, determining a temporary stow set point. The method may include rotating the solar panel to the temporary stow set point.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2021Date of Patent: September 6, 2022Assignee: ARRAY TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Lucas Creasy, Todd DarVel Andersen, Jon Andrew Sharp, James John Stoshak, Sanket Shah, James Fusaro
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Publication number: 20220271706Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) module clamp may be configured to interface with a torque tube and a PV module rail fixedly coupled to a PV module. The PV module clamp may include a seating portion made of two or more lateral walls and a base surface. A clamp body of the PV module clamp may be coupled to the seating portion. The clamp body may include a shape corresponding to a cross-sectional shape of the torque tube. The PV module clamp may include a fastening feature for interlocking the PV module clamp with the PV module rail responsive to the PV module rail being seated in the seating portion of the PV module clamp.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2022Publication date: August 25, 2022Inventors: Lucas Creasy, Nathan Schuknecht, Benjamin C. de Fresart
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Patent number: 11414827Abstract: A first embodiment of an anchor system may include a ballast, rods projecting through the ballast such that the rods extend away from the ballast and into the ground when deployed, and a mounting hardware atop the ballast. The anchor system may include an anchor deployable into the ground with a line providing tension between the ballast and the anchor when deployed into the ground. Another embodiment of the anchor may include a ground plate coupled to a spade in which the spade may be pressed into the ground when deployed. The anchor system may include an earth anchor shaped to be deployed in a first position and resist removal from the ground in a second position. and a line running from the ground plate to the earth anchor. The tension on the line may cause the earth anchor to transition from the first position to the second position.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2021Date of Patent: August 16, 2022Assignee: ARRAY TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Benjamin C. de Fresart, Nikhil Kumar, Anubhav Tandon, Lucas Creasy, Nathan Schuknecht
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Publication number: 20220239249Abstract: A system may include a support column, and a torsion beam connected to the support column and connected to one or more frames circumscribing one or more respective photovoltaic (PV) modules. An angle of orientation of the one or more frames may change based on rotation of the torsion beam. The system may also include an aeroelastic stabilizer associated with an edge of at least one of the frames. The association between the aeroelastic stabilizer and the edge of the at least one of the frames may include the aeroelastic stabilizer being fixedly coupled to the rail. The association between the aeroelastic stabilizer and the edge of the at least one of the frames may include the aeroelastic stabilizer being integrally formed with the rail to which the edge of the at least one of the frames is fixedly coupled.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2022Publication date: July 28, 2022Inventors: Nikhil Kumar, Todd Andersen, Lucas Creasy, Benjamin C. de Fresart
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Patent number: D966083Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2022Date of Patent: October 11, 2022Assignee: ARRAY TECH, INC.Inventors: Nathan Schuknecht, Lucas Creasy, Jason Addink, Andrew Chase