Patents by Inventor Richard Gillenwater

Richard Gillenwater 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: 20120222716
    Abstract: A flexible photovoltaic system for use on a landfill roof or other area includes a flexible membrane and flexible photovoltaic cells bonded to the membrane. Wires which connect various components of the system run in hollow protective raceways. The raceways include a hollow central arcuate portion and bonding flanges on either side. Wires are inserted in the hollow portion through a slit in the bottom of the raceway. The raceways are bonded to the membrane by welding or adhering the flanges to the membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventor: Richard Gillenwater
  • Publication number: 20110277806
    Abstract: A low profile flexible photovoltaic cell system, which is particularly suitable for use on sloped surfaces such as hills, landfills, and the like, includes a plurality of photovoltaic cells adhered to a flexible membrane. The cells are aligned so that the electrical wiring for each cell is at an upper edge of the membrane as it would be located on a sloped surface. A flexible flap, preferably made out of the same flexible membrane, is bonded to the flexible membrane immediately above the top edges of the aligned photovoltaic cells. The flap extends downwardly and covers the electrical connections of the photovoltaic cells. The free end of the flap is, in turn, fixed to the membrane fastened to areas between adjacent photovoltaic cells using a hook and tile type fastener, or a strap, or other type of connector. This protects the electrical connections of the photovoltaic cells from the elements, in particular, water, snow and ice, but can be easily opened for inspection or repair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: Carlisle Intangible Company
    Inventor: Richard Gillenwater