Patents by Inventor Raymond West

Raymond West 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: 20220280169
    Abstract: In a first embodiment, the present invention includes an instrumentation system for preparing a bone for soft tissue repair, the instrumentation system including a flexible drill pin capable of bending along a curved path; an aimer capable of engaging the flexible pin to bend the flexible pin; and a flexible reamer having a flexible portion along at least a portion of its length, the flexible portion comprising a plurality of laser cuts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2022
    Publication date: September 8, 2022
    Inventors: Mark Steiner, Kyle Craig Pilgeram, Raymond West, Jeffrey Wyman, Matthew Hemstreet, Ran Oren, Eran Zakai, Elad Rash
  • Patent number: 10873288
    Abstract: A system and apparatus are disclosed including PV modules having a frame allowing quick and easy assembling of the PV modules into a PV array in a sturdy and durable manner. In examples of the present technology, the PV modules may have a grooved frame where the groove is provided at an angle with respect to a planar surface of the modules. Various couplings may engage within the groove to assemble the PV modules into the PV array with a pivot-fit connection. Further examples of the present technology operate with PV modules having frames without grooves, or with PV modules where the frame is omitted altogether.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: SolarCity Corporation
    Inventors: Jack Raymond West, Tyrus Hawkes Hudson
  • Patent number: 10547270
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: SolarCity Corporation
    Inventors: Tyrus Hawkes Hudson, Charles Almy, Martin Seery, Daniel Preston Flanigan, Jack Raymond West, Garret Anthony Bautista, William Paul Buchanan, Johann Fritz Karkheck, Ethan Ely
  • Patent number: 10505494
    Abstract: Building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems provide for solar panel arrays that can be aesthetically pleasing to an observer, with minimal visible difference between photovoltaic and non-photovoltaic areas of the BIPV system. BIPV systems can be incorporated as part of roof surfaces as built into the structure of the roof, particularly as roofing tiles that have photovoltaic elements embedded or incorporated into the body of the roofing tiles. BIPV systems can also include mimic or dummy tiles that appear similar to tiles with photovoltaic elements, but do not collect solar energy. In some configurations, the appearance of BIPV tile roof systems can be generally uniform to an observer at ground level, where the blending and distribution of photovoltaic and non-photovoltaic elements generate a consistent and elegant appearance that camouflages any differences between photovoltaic tile or non-photovoltaic tiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Tesla, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Preston Flanigan, Jack Raymond West
  • Patent number: 10436794
    Abstract: Methods for detecting and quantifying one or more microcystin compounds in a sample are described. The methods may include a preconcentration step, and generally utilize an LC-MS or LC-MS/MS analysis with an Orbitrap Fusion mass spectrometer. The methods provide excellent recoveries and limits of quantification of microcystins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: The University of Toledo
    Inventors: Dragan Isailovic, Dilrukshika Palagama, Raymond West
  • Patent number: 10309690
    Abstract: An attachment point apparatus and system for photovoltaic arrays is disclosed. One embodiment provides a rail system for receiving a PV module, including a first rail, a second rail, a substantially rectilinear double male connector adapted for coupling an end of the first rail to an end of the second rail, and a connector adapted to attach a PV module to the first rail. Another embodiment provides a PV module including a PV laminate, a frame integral with and supporting the PV laminate, and a spanner bar adapted to solely span a width of the PV module, orthogonally connect at various locations along the frame, and attach to a support structure. A further embodiment provides a coupling device for a PV module comprising a first coupling portion adapted to rotatably engage a PV module, and a second coupling portion adapted to rotatably engage a rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Jack Raymond West, David Youmans, Brian Atchley
  • Patent number: 10238404
    Abstract: A flexible reamer for preparing a hole in a tissue includes a shaft that extends along a longitudinal axis between a proximal end and a distal end. The shaft is cannulated through and has a flexible portion along at least a portion of its length. The flexible portion includes a plurality of discrete, interlocking portions. An asymmetric tip at the distal end of the shaft has at least one flute positioned off-axis relative to a longitudinal axis of the flexible reamer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Howmedica Osteonics Corp.
    Inventors: Mark Steiner, Kyle Craig Pilgeram, Raymond West, Jeffrey Wyman, Ran Oren, Eran Zakai, Elad Rash
  • Patent number: 10116256
    Abstract: Photovoltaic modules are constructed having separate positive and negative junction boxes positioned at the corners of each photovoltaic module. A photovoltaic array assembled from these photovoltaic modules can be aligned such that the positive and negative junction boxes connect in an arrangement that minimizes the amount of wire needed to install the photovoltaic array. The arrangement of photovoltaic modules connecting the positive and negative junction boxes on adjacent photovoltaic modules leads to successive rows of photovoltaic modules in the photovoltaic array are oriented in opposing directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: SolarCity Corporation
    Inventors: David Miljkovic, Brian Atchley, Jack Raymond West, Nicholas G. J. de Vries
  • Publication number: 20180224159
    Abstract: An attachment point apparatus and system for photovoltaic arrays is disclosed. One embodiment provides a rail system for receiving a PV module, including a first rail, a second rail, a substantially rectilinear double male connector adapted for coupling an end of the first rail to an end of the second rail, and a connector adapted to attach a PV module to the first rail. Another embodiment provides a PV module including a PV laminate, a frame integral with and supporting the PV laminate, and a spanner bar adapted to solely span a width of the PV module, orthogonally connect at various locations along the frame, and attach to a support structure. A further embodiment provides a coupling device for a PV module comprising a first coupling portion adapted to rotatably engage a PV module, and a second coupling portion adapted to rotatably engage a rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2018
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Applicant: SolarCity Corporation
    Inventors: Jack Raymond West, David Youmans, Brian Atchley
  • Publication number: 20180167024
    Abstract: Building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems provide for solar panel arrays that can be aesthetically pleasing to an observer, with minimal visible difference between photovoltaic and non-photovoltaic areas of the BIPV system. BIPV systems can be incorporated as part of roof surfaces as built into the structure of the roof, particularly as roofing tiles that have photovoltaic elements embedded or incorporated into the body of the roofing tiles. BIPV systems can also include mimic or dummy tiles that appear similar to tiles with photovoltaic elements, but do not collect solar energy. In some configurations, the appearance of BIPV tile roof systems can be generally uniform to an observer at ground level, where the blending and distribution of photovoltaic and non-photovoltaic elements generate a consistent and elegant appearance that camouflages any differences between photovoltaic tile or non-photovoltaic tiles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2018
    Publication date: June 14, 2018
    Inventors: Daniel Preston Flanigan, Jack Raymond West
  • Patent number: 9998066
    Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) module framing and coupling system enables the attachment of PV modules to a roof or other mounting surface without requiring the use of separate structural support members which attach directly to and span between multiple PV modules in a formed PV array. The apparatus provides a parallel coupling for securely interlocking the outside surfaces of parallel frame members together in a side to side arrangement to form an array with improved structural load distribution. The coupling may attach to a slot in the frame at substantially any position along the length of the frame thereby enabling the interconnection of adjacent PV modules along both an x and y axis. The apparatus may further provide a rotating portion and locking portion, mounting brackets for direct connection to a mounting surface, grounding teeth, and a twist-lock engagement means for interlocking and aligning PV modules in the array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: SolarCity Corporation
    Inventors: Jack Raymond West, Hans-Christoph Haenlein
  • Patent number: D817741
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: SolarCity Corporation
    Inventor: Jack Raymond West
  • Patent number: D832779
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: SolarCity Corporation
    Inventors: Jack Raymond West, Tyrus Hawkes Hudson, Emil Johansen
  • Patent number: D835572
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: SolarCity Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Atchley, Geoffrey Fedoroff, Jack Raymond West
  • Patent number: D836065
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: SolarCity Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Atchley, Geoffrey Fedoroff, Jack Raymond West
  • Patent number: D844419
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: SolarCity Corporation
    Inventor: Jack Raymond West
  • Patent number: D859967
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: SolarCity Corporation
    Inventor: Jack Raymond West
  • Patent number: D859968
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Tesla, Inc.
    Inventor: Jack Raymond West
  • Patent number: RE47733
    Abstract: An interlocking photovoltaic module mounting system that provides a one piece, integrated photovoltaic module frame portion that is directly mountable to a support structure and interlocks with separate adjoining photovoltaic module frame portions. The apparatus includes a frame member for enclosing the perimeter of a photovoltaic module, having an inside surface and outside surface, with the inside surface including a recess for capture of the panel. The frame member outside surface includes at least one interlocking means for affixation to the complementary outside surface of an adjacent frame-member. The frame member includes a height-adjustable foot portion for supporting the frame member on a roof, so that adjacent frame members may be interlocked to form an array, and the foot portion may be adjusted to level the formed array on the roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: Tesla, Inc.
    Inventor: John Raymond West
  • Patent number: D895538
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: SolarCity Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Atchley, Geoffrey Fedoroff, Jack Raymond West