Patents by Inventor Martin Seery
Martin Seery 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: 11705855Abstract: Building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems provide for solar panel arrays that can be aesthetically pleasing to an observer. BIPV systems can be incorporated as part of roof surfaces as built into the structure of the roof, particularly as photovoltaic modules having the appearance of a plurality of roofing tiles that each have photovoltaic cells. Each photovoltaic module may include a metal backer, photovoltaic cells, and light transmissive top sheets adhered to both the metal backer and the photovoltaic cells. BIPV systems can also include non-photovoltaic modules that appear similar to photovoltaic modules, but do not collect solar energy.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2021Date of Patent: July 18, 2023Assignee: Tesla, Inc.Inventors: Martin Seery, Charles Bernardo Almy, Kathryn Austin Pesce
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Publication number: 20230198455Abstract: Building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems provide for solar panel arrays that can be aesthetically pleasing to an observer. BIPV systems can be incorporated as part of roof surfaces as built into the structure of the roof, particularly as photovoltaic modules having the appearance of a plurality of roofing tiles that each have photovoltaic cells. Each photovoltaic module may include a metal backer, photovoltaic cells, and light transmissive top sheets adhered to both the metal backer and the photovoltaic cells. BIPV systems can also include non-photovoltaic modules that appear similar to photovoltaic modules, but do not collect solar energy.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2023Publication date: June 22, 2023Inventors: Martin SEERY, Charles Bernardo ALMY, Kathryn Austin PESCE
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Publication number: 20210265941Abstract: Building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems provide for solar panel arrays that can be aesthetically pleasing to an observer. BIPV systems can be incorporated as part of roof surfaces as built into the structure of the roof, particularly as photovoltaic modules having the appearance of a plurality of roofing tiles that each have photovoltaic cells. Each photovoltaic module may include a metal backer, photovoltaic cells, and light transmissive top sheets adhered to both the metal backer and the photovoltaic cells. BIPV systems can also include non-photovoltaic modules that appear similar to photovoltaic modules, but do not collect solar energy.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2021Publication date: August 26, 2021Inventors: Martin SEERY, Charles Bernardo ALMY, Kathryn Austin PESCE
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Patent number: 11012025Abstract: Building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems provide for solar panel arrays that can be aesthetically pleasing to an observer. BIPV systems can be incorporated as part of roof surfaces as built into the structure of the roof, particularly as photovoltaic modules having the appearance of a plurality of roofing tiles that each have photovoltaic cells. Each photovoltaic module may include a metal backer, photovoltaic cells, and light transmissive top sheets adhered to both the metal backer and the photovoltaic cells. BIPV systems can also include non-photovoltaic modules that appear similar to photovoltaic modules, but do not collect solar energy.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2018Date of Patent: May 18, 2021Assignee: Tesla, Inc.Inventors: Martin Seery, Charles Bernardo Almy, Kathryn Austin Pesce
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Patent number: 10985688Abstract: This disclosure describes methods and apparatus for assembly a roofing structure that incorporates photovoltaic modules as shingles of the roofing structure. A sidelap is used to both establish consistent spacing between the solar shingles and prevent water passing between adjacent shingles from collecting beneath the solar shingles by guiding the water passing through the solar shingles and redirecting the water down-roof. In some embodiments, the sidelaps can have additional functionality. For example, a sidelap can include tabs configured to interact with lateral securing features positioned on downward-facing surfaces of the solar roofing modules to help keep the lateral sides of the photovoltaic modules from pulling away from the roofing structure during severe weather conditions. The sidelap could also include means for attaching a wire clip to one end of the sidelap.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2017Date of Patent: April 20, 2021Assignee: Tesla, Inc.Inventors: Martin Seery, David Molina, Trevor B. Guthrie, Thomas Anderson, Jonathan Hewlett
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Patent number: 10673373Abstract: Building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems provide for solar panel arrays that can be aesthetically pleasing and appear seamless to an observer. BIPV systems can be incorporated as part of roof surfaces as built into the structure of the roof, flush or forming a substantively uniform plane with roof panels or other panels mimicking a solar panel appearance. Pans supporting BIPV solar panels can be coupled by standing seams, in both lateral and longitudinal directions, to other photovoltaic-supporting pans or pans supporting non-photovoltaic structures, having both functional and aesthetic advantages. In some configurations, the appearance of BIPV systems can be particularly aesthetically pleasing and generally seamless to an observer.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2016Date of Patent: June 2, 2020Assignee: SolarCity CorporationInventors: Tyrus Hawkes Hudson, Charles Almy, Martin Seery, Daniel Preston Flanigan, Ryan Devine, River Broussard
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Patent number: 10547270Abstract: Building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems provide for solar panel arrays that can be aesthetically pleasing and appear seamless to an observer. BIPV systems can be incorporated as part of roof surfaces as built into the structure of the roof, flush or forming a substantively uniform plane with roof panels or other panels mimicking a solar panel appearance. Pans supporting BIPV solar panels can be coupled by standing seams, in both lateral and longitudinal directions, to other photovoltaic-supporting pans or pans supporting non-photovoltaic structures, having both functional and aesthetic advantages. In some configurations, adjacent photovoltaic modules may be oriented so that a boundary between an up-roof photovoltaic module and a down-roof photovoltaic module is not noticeable by observers positioned at typical viewing angles of the roof.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2016Date of Patent: January 28, 2020Assignee: SolarCity CorporationInventors: Tyrus Hawkes Hudson, Charles Almy, Martin Seery, Daniel Preston Flanigan, Jack Raymond West, Garret Anthony Bautista, William Paul Buchanan, Johann Fritz Karkheck, Ethan Ely
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Patent number: 10505492Abstract: Building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems provide for solar panel arrays that can be aesthetically pleasing and appear seamless to an observer. BIPV systems can be on-roof systems, elevated from the surface of a roof, being flush or forming a substantively uniform plane with roof panels or other panels mimicking a solar panel appearance. Pans supporting BIPV solar panels can be coupled by standing seams to other photovoltaic-supporting pans or pans supporting non-photovoltaic structures, having both functional and aesthetic advantages. In some configurations, inverted seams can couple photovoltaic-supporting pans and non-photovoltaic structures, forming a substantively planar surface. In some configurations, the appearance of BIPV systems can be particularly aesthetically pleasing and generally seamless to an observer.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2016Date of Patent: December 10, 2019Assignee: SolarCity CorporationInventors: Tyrus Hawkes Hudson, Charles Almy, Martin Seery, Daniel Preston Flanigan, Ryan Devine, River Broussard
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Publication number: 20190273463Abstract: Building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems provide for solar panel arrays that can be aesthetically pleasing to an observer. BIPV systems can be incorporated as part of roof surfaces as built into the structure of the roof, particularly as photovoltaic modules having the appearance of a plurality of roofing tiles that each have photovoltaic cells. Each photovoltaic module may include a metal backer, photovoltaic cells, and light transmissive top sheets adhered to both the metal backer and the photovoltaic cells. BIPV systems can also include non-photovoltaic modules that appear similar to photovoltaic modules, but do not collect solar energy.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2018Publication date: September 5, 2019Inventors: Martin Seery, Charles Bernardo Almy, Kathryn Austin Pesce
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Patent number: 10340836Abstract: Assemblies and couplings for mounting PV modules are provided. An assembly is provided to avoid conflicts between linkages used to adjoin adjacent PV modules and leveling feet used to mount the PV modules to supporting structure. Specifically, an interlock support coupling is provided that may include a shaft with a locking portion disposed at the end that interfaces with an interlock bracket used to couple adjacent PV modules and a housing with an opening for receiving a connection with a supporting foot. An interlock bracket may be provided with a slot for receiving an interlock support coupling.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2015Date of Patent: July 2, 2019Assignee: SolarCity CorporationInventor: Martin Seery
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Publication number: 20180351501Abstract: This disclosure describes methods and apparatus for assembly a roofing structure that incorporates photovoltaic modules as shingles of the roofing structure. A sidelap is used to both establish consistent spacing between the solar shingles and prevent water passing between adjacent shingles from collecting beneath the solar shingles by guiding the water passing through the solar shingles and redirecting the water down-roof. In some embodiments, the sidelaps can have additional functionality. For example, a sidelap can include tabs configured to interact with lateral securing features positioned on downward-facing surfaces of the solar roofing modules to help keep the lateral sides of the photovoltaic modules from pulling away from the roofing structure during severe weather conditions. The sidelap could also include means for attaching a wire clip to one end of the sidelap.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2017Publication date: December 6, 2018Inventors: Martin Seery, David Molina, Trevor B. Guthrie, Thomas Anderson, Jonathan Hewlett
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Patent number: 10135387Abstract: Photovoltaic mounting systems that form chemical flashings are provided herein. Such mounting systems can include a mounting plate adapted to interface with an off-the-shelf mounting puck so as to allow mounting of the puck on the roof surface without use of traditional roof flashing and/or modification of shingles of the roof surface. Such mounting plates can include a top surface adapted to interface with the puck and a bottom surface that defines a cavity between the mounting plate and the puck in which to form the chemical flashing by injecting a flowable sealant into the cavity via an inlet of the mounting plate that remains accessible from outside the puck during mounting. Such mounting plates can further include features for orienting the plate, directing runoff away from any sealed roof penetrations and filling of the cavity with flowable sealant.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2016Date of Patent: November 20, 2018Assignee: SolarCity CorporationInventors: Martin Seery, Garret Bautista
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Patent number: 9912285Abstract: A clamping system for securing the corners of four photovoltaic modules to a carport purlin, the clamping system having upper and lower body portions with an adjustable set screw between, the gap dimensioned to receive the purlin therein and the set screw rotatable to secure the purlin to the upper body portion. The system also having a pair of PV module connectors at opposite ends of the clamping assembly, each PV module connector adapted to secure a pair of PV modules to the purlin.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2016Date of Patent: March 6, 2018Assignee: SolarCity CorporationInventors: Martin Seery, Tyrus Hawkes Hudson
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Patent number: 9874021Abstract: A flashing system and assembly for slate or tile roofs having a flashing and a flashing cap. The flashing is shaped to replace a plurality of removed slates or tiles. The flashing cap has an adjustable position such that the position of a mounting rail support system passing through the flashing can be adjusted with respect to the flashing while still maintaining a watertight seal with the flashing cap and optional sealing cap.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2015Date of Patent: January 23, 2018Assignee: SOLARCITY CORPORATIONInventors: Tyrus Hudson, Martin Seery, River Broussard, Malcolm Kimberley
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Patent number: 9876462Abstract: A support system for photovoltaic mounting rails having a cylindrical base that rotates into a locked position.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2015Date of Patent: January 23, 2018Assignee: SOLARCITY CORPORATIONInventors: Tyrus Hudson, Martin Seery, River Broussard, Malcolm Kimberley, David Molina
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Patent number: 9806668Abstract: A photovoltaic mounting system for tile roofs is disclosed. In one embodiment, mounting bracket is attached to a roof deck and passes through a flashing support and flexible flashing that mimics the contour of the adjacent roof tiles. In other embodiments, a tile hook passes through partial or full tile replacement flashing. A plug or other structure blocks the space around the tile hook preventing the ingress of pests and debris under the flashing and surrounding tiles. Additional photovoltaic module mounting hardware, including sections of rails and frame mounts are attached either the mounting bracket or tile hook.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2015Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: SolarCity CorporationInventors: Emil Johansen, Martin Seery
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Publication number: 20170279403Abstract: Photovoltaic mounting systems that form chemical flashings are provided herein. Such mounting systems can include a mounting plate adapted to interface with an off-the-shelf mounting puck so as to allow mounting of the puck on the roof surface without use of traditional roof flashing and/or modification of shingles of the roof surface. Such mounting plates can include a top surface adapted to interface with the puck and a bottom surface that defines a cavity between the mounting plate and the puck in which to form the chemical flashing by injecting a flowable sealant into the cavity via an inlet of the mounting plate that remains accessible from outside the puck during mounting. Such mounting plates can further include features for orienting the plate, directing runoff away from any sealed roof penetrations and filling of the cavity with flowable sealant.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2016Publication date: September 28, 2017Inventors: Martin Seery, Garret Bautista
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Patent number: 9748893Abstract: A system for mounting a photovoltaic array onto short sections of mounting rails such that a section of mounting rail is only installed fewer than all the photovoltaic modules in the array. A single section of mounting rail may support one, two or three photovoltaic modules depending on it's length and position respect to the edge of each module frame.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2015Date of Patent: August 29, 2017Assignee: SolarCity CorporationInventors: Emil Johansen, Martin Seery
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Publication number: 20170237390Abstract: Building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems provide for solar panel arrays that can be aesthetically pleasing and appear seamless to an observer. BIPV systems can be incorporated as part of roof surfaces as built into the structure of the roof, flush or forming a substantively uniform plane with roof panels or other panels mimicking a solar panel appearance. Pans supporting BIPV solar panels can be coupled by standing seams, in both lateral and longitudinal directions, to other photovoltaic-supporting pans or pans supporting non-photovoltaic structures, having both functional and aesthetic advantages. In some configurations, adjacent photovoltaic modules may be oriented so that a boundary between an up-roof photovoltaic module and a down-roof photovoltaic module is not noticeable by observers positioned at typical viewing angles of the roof.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2016Publication date: August 17, 2017Inventors: Tyrus Hawkes Hudson, Charles Almy, Martin Seery, Daniel Preston Flanigan, Jack Raymond West, Garret Anthony Bautista, William Paul Buchanan, Johann Fritz Karkheck, Ethan Ely
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Publication number: 20170237387Abstract: Building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems provide for solar panel arrays that can be aesthetically pleasing and appear seamless to an observer. BIPV systems can be on-roof systems, elevated from the surface of a roof, being flush or forming a substantively uniform plane with roof panels or other panels mimicking a solar panel appearance. Pans supporting BIPV solar panels can be coupled by standing seams to other photovoltaic-supporting pans or pans supporting non-photovoltaic structures, having both functional and aesthetic advantages. In some configurations, inverted seams can couple photovoltaic-supporting pans and non-photovoltaic structures, forming a substantively planar surface. In some configurations, the appearance of BIPV systems can be particularly aesthetically pleasing and generally seamless to an observer.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2016Publication date: August 17, 2017Inventors: Tyrus Hawkes Hudson, Charles Almy, Martin Seery, Daniel Preston Flanigan, Ryan Devine, River Broussard