Patents by Inventor Matthew Culligan

Matthew Culligan 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).

  • Publication number: 20150155819
    Abstract: A mounting support for a photovoltaic module is described. The mounting support includes a pedestal having a surface adaptable to receive a flat side of a photovoltaic module laminate. A hole is disposed in the pedestal, the hole adaptable to receive a bolt or a pin used to couple the pedestal to the flat side of the photovoltaic module laminate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2015
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Inventors: Jason Wexler, Jonathan Botkin, Matthew Culligan, Adam Detrick
  • Patent number: 8955267
    Abstract: A mounting support for a photovoltaic module is described. The mounting support includes a pedestal having a surface adaptable to receive a flat side of a photovoltaic module laminate. A hole is disposed in the pedestal, the hole adaptable to receive a bolt or a pin used to couple the pedestal to the flat side of the photovoltaic module laminate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: SunPower Corporation
    Inventors: Jason Wexler, Jonathan Botkin, Matthew Culligan, Adam Detrick
  • Publication number: 20140053893
    Abstract: A mounting support for a photovoltaic module is described. The mounting support includes a pedestal having a surface adaptable to receive a flat side of a photovoltaic module laminate. A hole is disposed in the pedestal, the hole adaptable to receive a bolt or a pin used to couple the pedestal to the flat side of the photovoltaic module laminate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Inventors: Jason Wexler, Jonathan Botkin, Matthew Culligan, Adam Detrick
  • Patent number: 8650813
    Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) module assembly including a PV module, a deflector, and a clip. The PV module includes a PV device and a frame. A PV laminate is assembled to the frame, and the frame includes a support arm forming a seat. The deflector defines a front face and a rear face, with the clip extending from either the trailing frame member or the rear face of the deflector. In a mounted state, the deflector is nested within the seat and is releasably mounted to the trailing frame member via the clip. In some embodiments, the support arm forms a second seat, with the PV module assembly providing a second mounted state in which the deflector is in a differing orientation/slope, nested within the second seat and releasably mounted to the trailing frame member via the clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: SunPower Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan Botkin, Simon Graves, Matt Danning, Matthew Culligan
  • Publication number: 20140000187
    Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) module including a PV device and a frame. The PV device has a PV laminate defining a perimeter and a major plane. The frame is assembled to and encases the laminate perimeter, and includes leading, trailing, and side frame members, and an arm that forms a support face opposite the laminate. The support face is adapted for placement against a horizontal installation surface, to support and orient the laminate in a non-parallel or tilted arrangement. Upon final assembly, the laminate and the frame combine to define a unitary structure. The frame can orient the laminate at an angle in the range of 3°-7° from horizontal, and can be entirely formed of a polymeric material. Optionally, the arm incorporates integral feature(s) that facilitate interconnection with corresponding features of a second, identically formed PV module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventors: Jonathan Botkin, Simon Graves, Carl J. S. Lenox, Matthew Culligan, Matt Danning
  • Patent number: 8615941
    Abstract: A PV module kit for non-penetrating rooftop installation, including a plurality of PV modules and a plurality of connectors. Each of the PV modules includes a PV laminate and a frame forming a mounting region assembled thereto. The connectors include a male connector having a male fastener extending from a head, and a female connector having a female fastener assembled within a head. The heads are entirely formed of plastic. The kit provides a mounted array state including a junction at which the mounting region of at least two of the PV modules are aligned and interconnected by engagement of the male connector with the female connector. The so-formed junction is substantially electrically insulated. The plurality of connectors can further include a spacer connector including a head forming a bore sized to slidably receive the male fastener, with all of the connector heads being identical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: SunPower Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan Botkin, Simon Graves, Matt Danning, Matthew Culligan
  • Publication number: 20130319511
    Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) module assembly including a PV module, a deflector, and a clip. The PV module includes a PV device and a frame. A PV laminate is assembled to the frame, and the frame includes a support arm forming a seat. The deflector defines a front face and a rear face, with the clip extending from either the trailing frame member or the rear face of the deflector. In a mounted state, the deflector is nested within the seat and is releasably mounted to the trailing frame member via the clip. In some embodiments, the support arm forms a second seat, with the PV module assembly providing a second mounted state in which the deflector is in a differing orientation/slope, nested within the second seat and releasably mounted to the trailing frame member via the clip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventors: Jonathan Botkin, Simon Graves, Matt Danning, Matthew Culligan
  • Patent number: 8584406
    Abstract: A mounting support for a photovoltaic module is described. The mounting support includes a pedestal having a surface adaptable to receive a flat side of a photovoltaic module laminate. A hole is disposed in the pedestal, the hole adaptable to receive a bolt or a pin used to couple the pedestal to the flat side of the photovoltaic module laminate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: SunPower Corporation
    Inventors: Jason Wexler, Jonathan Botkin, Matthew Culligan, Adam Detrick
  • Patent number: 8516754
    Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) module including a PV device and a frame, The PV device has a PV laminate defining a perimeter and a major plane. The frame is assembled to and encases the laminate perimeter, and includes leading, trailing, and side frame members, and an arm that forms a support face opposite the laminate. The support face is adapted for placement against a horizontal installation surface, to support and orient the laminate in a non-parallel or tilted arrangement. Upon final assembly, the laminate and the frame combine to define a unitary structure. The frame can orient the laminate at an angle in the range of 3°-7° from horizontal, and can be entirely formed of a polymeric material. Optionally, the arm incorporates integral feature(s) that facilitate interconnection with corresponding features of a second, identically formed PV module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: SunPower Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan Botkin, Simon Graves, Carl J. S. Lenox, Matthew Culligan, Matt Danning
  • Patent number: 8448391
    Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) module assembly including a PV module, a deflector, and a clip. The PV module includes a PV device and a frame. A PV laminate is assembled to the frame, and the frame includes a support arm forming a seat. The deflector defines a front face and a rear face, with the clip extending from either the trailing frame member or the rear face of the deflector. In a mounted state, the deflector is nested within the seat and is releasably mounted to the trailing frame member via the clip. In some embodiments, the support arm forms a second seat, with the PV module assembly providing a second mounted state in which the deflector is in a differing orientation/slope, nested within the second seat and releasably mounted to the trailing frame member via the clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: SunPower Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan Botkin, Simon Graves, Matt Danning, Matthew Culligan
  • Publication number: 20130025652
    Abstract: A PV module kit for non-penetrating rooftop installation, including a plurality of PV modules and a plurality of connectors. Each of the PV modules includes a PV laminate and a frame forming a mounting region assembled thereto. The connectors include a male connector having a male fastener extending from a head, and a female connector having a female fastener assembled within a head. The heads are entirely formed of plastic. The kit provides a mounted array state including a junction at which the mounting region of at least two of the PV modules are aligned and interconnected by engagement of the male connector with the female connector. The so-formed junction is substantially electrically insulated. The plurality of connectors can further include a spacer connector including a head forming a bore sized to slidably receive the male fastener, with all of the connector heads being identical.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Inventors: Jonathan Botkin, Simon Graves, Matt Danning, Matthew Culligan
  • Publication number: 20120325294
    Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) module assembly including a PV module, a deflector, and a clip. The PV module includes a PV device and a frame. A PV laminate is assembled to the frame, and the frame includes a support arm forming a seat. The deflector defines a front face and a rear face, with the clip extending from either the trailing frame member or the rear face of the deflector. In a mounted state, the deflector is nested within the seat and is releasably mounted to the trailing frame member via the clip. In some embodiments, the support arm forms a second seat, with the PV module assembly providing a second mounted state in which the deflector is in a differing orientation/slope, nested within the second seat and releasably mounted to the trailing frame member via the clip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Inventors: Jonathan Botkin, Simon Graves, Matt Danning, Matthew Culligan
  • Patent number: 8291654
    Abstract: A PV module kit for non-penetrating rooftop installation, including a plurality of PV modules and a plurality of connectors. Each of the PV modules includes a PV laminate and a frame forming a mounting region assembled thereto. The connectors include a male connector having a male fastener extending from a head, and a female connector having a female fastener assembled within a head. The heads are entirely formed of plastic. The kit provides a mounted array state including a junction at which the mounting region of at least two of the PV modules are aligned and interconnected by engagement of the male connector with the female connector. The so-formed junction is substantially electrically insulated. The plurality of connectors can further include a spacer connector including a head forming a bore sized to slidably receive the male fastener, with all of the connector heads being identical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: SunPower Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan Botkin, Simon Graves, Matt Danning, Matthew Culligan
  • Publication number: 20120261364
    Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) module including a PV device and a frame, The PV device has a PV laminate defining a perimeter and a major plane. The frame is assembled to and encases the laminate perimeter, and includes leading, trailing, and side frame members, and an arm that forms a support face opposite the laminate. The support face is adapted for placement against a horizontal installation surface, to support and orient the laminate in a non-parallel or tilted arrangement. Upon final assembly, the laminate and the frame combine to define a unitary structure. The frame can orient the laminate at an angle in the range of 3°-7° from horizontal, and can be entirely formed of a polymeric material. Optionally, the arm incorporates integral feature(s) that facilitate interconnection with corresponding features of a second, identically formed PV module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventors: Jonathan Botkin, Simon Graves, Carl J.S. Lenox, Matthew Culligan, Matt Danning
  • Patent number: 8234824
    Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) module assembly including a PV module, a deflector, and a clip. The PV module includes a PV device and a frame. A PV laminate is assembled to the frame, and the frame includes a support arm forming a seat. The deflector defines a front face and a rear face, with the clip extending from either the trailing frame member or the rear face of the deflector. In a mounted state, the deflector is nested within the seat and is releasably mounted to the trailing frame member via the clip. In some embodiments, the support arm forms a second seat, with the PV module assembly providing a second mounted state in which the deflector is in a differing orientation/slope, nested within the second seat and releasably mounted to the trailing frame member via the clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: SunPower Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan Botkin, Simon Graves, Matt Danning, Matthew Culligan
  • Patent number: 8220210
    Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) module including a PV device and a frame. The PV device has a PV laminate defining a perimeter and a major plane. The frame is assembled to and encases the laminate perimeter, and includes leading, trailing, and side frame members, and an arm that forms a support face opposite the laminate. The support face is adapted for placement against a horizontal installation surface, to support and orient the laminate in a non-parallel or tilted arrangement. Upon final assembly, the laminate and the frame combine to define a unitary structure. The frame can orient the laminate at an angle in the range of 3°-7° from horizontal, and can be entirely formed of a polymeric material. Optionally, the arm incorporates integral feature(s) that facilitate interconnection with corresponding features of a second, identically formed PV module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: SunPower Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan Botkin, Simon Graves, Carl J. S. Lenox, Matthew Culligan, Matt Danning
  • Publication number: 20120024356
    Abstract: A PV module kit for non-penetrating rooftop installation, including a plurality of PV modules and a plurality of connectors. Each of the PV modules includes a PV laminate and a frame forming a mounting region assembled thereto. The connectors include a male connector having a male fastener extending from a head, and a female connector having a female fastener assembled within a head. The heads are entirely formed of plastic. The kit provides a mounted array state including a junction at which the mounting region of at least two of the PV modules are aligned and interconnected by engagement of the male connector with the female connector. The so-formed junction is substantially electrically insulated. The plurality of connectors can further include a spacer connector including a head forming a bore sized to slidably receive the male fastener, with all of the connector heads being identical.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventors: Jonathan Botkin, Simon Graves, Matt Danning, Matthew Culligan
  • Patent number: 8061091
    Abstract: A PV module kit for non-penetrating rooftop installation, including a plurality of PV modules and a plurality of connectors. Each of the PV modules includes a PV laminate and a frame forming a mounting region assembled thereto. The connectors include a male connector having a male fastener extending from a head, and a female connector having a female fastener assembled within a head. The heads are entirely formed of plastic. The kit provides a mounted array state including a junction at which the mounting region of at least two of the PV modules are aligned and interconnected by engagement of the male connector with the female connector. The so-formed junction is substantially electrically insulated. The plurality of connectors can further include a spacer connector including a head forming a bore sized to slidably receive the male fastener, with all of the connector heads being identical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Sunpower Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan Botkin, Simon Graves, Matt Danning, Matthew Culligan
  • Publication number: 20100294343
    Abstract: A mounting support for a photovoltaic module is described. The mounting support includes a pedestal having a surface adaptable to receive a flat side of a photovoltaic module laminate. A hole is disposed in the pedestal, the hole adaptable to receive a bolt or a pin used to couple the pedestal to the flat side of the photovoltaic module laminate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventors: Jason Wexler, Jonathan Botkin, Matthew Culligan, Adam Detrick
  • Publication number: 20090320908
    Abstract: A PV module including a PV device and a frame. The PV device has a PV laminate maintaining a plurality of PV cells at a front face. The PV cells are arranged in rows, including a first row adjacent an edge of the PV laminate. Adjacent ones of the PV cells of the first row are separated by a column spacing. The frame is assembled to the PV laminate, and includes a frame member having a ledge and a plurality of spaced fingers that are connected to, and spaced from, the ledge. The PV laminate is mounted between the ledge and the fingers, with one of the fingers being aligned with one of the column spacings. The PV module facilitates liquid drainage between the spaced fingers. Further, the fingers minimize shading effects presented by the frame member, thereby enhancing a GCR of the PV module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: SunPower Corp.
    Inventors: Jonathan Botkin, Simon Graves, Matthew Culligan