Patents by Inventor Robert B. Dally

Robert B. Dally 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).

  • Patent number: 12355392
    Abstract: An embodiment for a solar tracker assembly includes a component having multiple pulleys or slide surfaces. A first torque tube is connected with the component. The first torque tube includes a cable slot. A first pull cable is connected to a first and a second pulley of the multiple pulleys or to a first and a second slide surface of the multiple slide surfaces. A second pull cable is connected to a third and a fourth pulley of the multiple pulleys or to a third and a fourth slide surface of the multiple slide surfaces. A first post is connected with the torque tube. The first post includes a connection point connected to the first pull cable and the second pull cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2025
    Assignee: SUN AND STEEL SOLAR LLC
    Inventor: Robert B. Dally
  • Publication number: 20250096728
    Abstract: One embodiment includes a reflector for a photovoltaic solar system. The reflector is configured to connect to a torque tube such that sunlight is reflected upwards towards an underside of one or more photovoltaic solar panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2024
    Publication date: March 20, 2025
    Inventor: Robert B. Dally
  • Publication number: 20250084683
    Abstract: A journal-coupler includes a first portion with a first opening and a second opening, a first pair of flanges and a first connecting portion. A second portion is removably connected to the first portion. The second portion includes a third opening and a fourth opening, a second pair of flanges and a second connecting portion. An upper bearing portion and a lower bearing portion removably connected to the upper bearing portion are included. The first connecting portion and the second connecting portion combine as an enclosed torque tube portion and connect over a first torque tube and a second torque tube. The lower bearing portion includes a pier insert portion with fastening slots, a first prong, and a second prong. The journal-coupler sustains a continuous electrical ground path between the first portion, the first torque tube, the second torque tube and the second portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2024
    Publication date: March 13, 2025
    Inventor: Robert B. Dally
  • Publication number: 20250055410
    Abstract: A single-axis tracker system includes a bearing race including a pair of flanges that each include a slot that limits north-south movement of at least one torque tube that is disposed within the bearing race. A journal-coupler removably connects to the bearing race. A moveable ganged bearing lock holds the at least one torque tube in place while in a stow position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2024
    Publication date: February 13, 2025
    Inventor: Robert B. Dally
  • Patent number: 12180764
    Abstract: A journal-coupler includes a first portion including a first pair of flanges and a first coupler portion and a second portion that is removably connected to the first portion. The second portion includes a second pair of flanges and a second coupler portion. The first coupler portion and the second coupler portion combine to form an enclosed torque tube portion and connect over a first torque tube and a second torque tube. The journal-coupler sustains a continuous electrical ground path between the first portion, the first torque tube, the second torque tube and the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2024
    Assignee: SUN AND STEEL SOLAR LLC
    Inventor: Robert B. Dally
  • Publication number: 20240235463
    Abstract: An embodiment for a solar tracker assembly includes a component having multiple pulleys or slide surfaces. A first torque tube is connected with the component. The first torque tube includes a cable slot. A first pull cable is connected to a first and a second pulley of the multiple pulleys or to a first and a second slide surface of the multiple slide surfaces. A second pull cable is connected to a third and a fourth pulley of the multiple pulleys or to a third and a fourth slide surface of the multiple slide surfaces. A first post is connected with the torque tube. The first post includes a connection point connected to the first pull cable and the second pull cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2023
    Publication date: July 11, 2024
    Inventor: Robert B. Dally
  • Publication number: 20240136972
    Abstract: An embodiment for a solar tracker assembly includes a component having multiple pulleys or slide surfaces. A first torque tube is connected with the component. The first torque tube includes a cable slot. A first pull cable is connected to a first and a second pulley of the multiple pulleys or to a first and a second slide surface of the multiple slide surfaces. A second pull cable is connected to a third and a fourth pulley of the multiple pulleys or to a third and a fourth slide surface of the multiple slide surfaces. A first post is connected with the torque tube. The first post includes a connection point connected to the first pull cable and the second pull cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2023
    Publication date: April 25, 2024
    Inventor: Robert B. Dally
  • Patent number: 11946587
    Abstract: A bearing for single-axis solar tracking system includes a journal with a tube portion connected to a pair of flanges that are configured as a thrust-stop. The bearing further includes a race removably connected to the journal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: SUN AND STEEL SOLAR LLC
    Inventor: Robert B. Dally
  • Patent number: 11863118
    Abstract: One embodiment provides an apparatus for a single axis tracker that includes a first strap component formed into a first portion of a bearing race. A second strap component is formed into a second portion of the bearing race. The first portion of the bearing race and the second portion of the bearing race removably interleave to hold a torque tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: SUN AND STEEL SOLAR LLC
    Inventor: Robert B. Dally
  • Patent number: 11835266
    Abstract: A solar panel assembly includes a first torque tube and a mounting rail including a cutout portion that attaches to the first torque tube. The mounting rail including an upper portion configured for mounting multiple solar panels. The mounting rail establishes and maintains an electrical ground path from the solar panel assembly to the first torque tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: SUN AND STEEL SOLAR LLC
    Inventor: Robert B. Dally
  • Patent number: 11802591
    Abstract: A system includes a coupler-journal including a central body portion and a coupling portion. The coupler-journal is configured for attaching with a first torque tube and a second torque tube. A bearing is configured for placement around the central body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: SUN AND STEEL SOLAR LLC
    Inventor: Robert B. Dally
  • Publication number: 20230279987
    Abstract: A bearing for single-axis solar tracking system includes a journal with a tube portion connected to a pair of flanges that are configured as a thrust-stop. The bearing further includes a race removably connected to the journal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2022
    Publication date: September 7, 2023
    Inventor: Robert B. Dally
  • Patent number: 11646694
    Abstract: One embodiment provides a drive system that includes a drive device with at least one drum for spooling at least one wire rope. A mounting device is connected to the drive device and a single-axis tracker. At least one partial pulley is connected to a torque tube. The at least one partial pulley is configured to accept the at least one wire rope and to transfer leveraged drive forces to the torque tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: SUN AND STEEL SOLAR LLC
    Inventor: Robert B. Dally
  • Patent number: 11569780
    Abstract: One embodiment includes a device for solar tracker systems. The device includes a first purlin including a first mating surface configured for frictional attachment to a first side of a torque tube. The first purlin further including a first linear shaped top surface configured for mounting a first solar module. A second purlin includes a second mating surface configured for frictional attachment to a second side of the torque tube. The second purlin further including a second linear shaped top surface configured for mounting a second solar module. The first purlin and the second purlin connect to one another with a fastening clamp that is configured for holding the first purlin and the second purlin against the torque tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: SUN AND STEEL SOLAR LLC
    Inventor: Robert B. Dally
  • Publication number: 20220311244
    Abstract: A control system for a single-axis solar tracking system includes a controller that communicates control signals. An alternating current (AC) powerline is connected to the controller. The AC powerline supplies power control for one or more solar tracker drive motors and propagates the control signals to the one or more solar tracker drive motors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2022
    Publication date: September 29, 2022
    Inventor: Robert B. Dally
  • Publication number: 20220200520
    Abstract: One embodiment provides an apparatus for a single axis tracker that includes a first strap component formed into a first portion of a bearing race. A second strap component is formed into a second portion of the bearing race. The first portion of the bearing race and the second portion of the bearing race removably interleave to hold a torque tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2021
    Publication date: June 23, 2022
    Inventor: Robert B. Dally
  • Publication number: 20220140774
    Abstract: One embodiment provides a drive system that includes a drive device with at least one drum for spooling at least one wire rope. A mounting device is connected to the drive device and a single-axis tracker. At least one partial pulley is connected to a torque tube. The at least one partial pulley is configured to accept the at least one wire rope and to transfer leveraged drive forces to the torque tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2021
    Publication date: May 5, 2022
    Inventor: Robert B. Dally
  • Publication number: 20220098909
    Abstract: A journal-coupler includes a first portion including a first pair of flanges and a first coupler portion and a second portion that is removably connected to the first portion. The second portion includes a second pair of flanges and a second coupler portion. The first coupler portion and the second coupler portion combine to form an enclosed torque tube portion and connect over a first torque tube and a second torque tube. The journal-coupler sustains a continuous electrical ground path between the first portion, the first torque tube, the second torque tube and the second portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2021
    Publication date: March 31, 2022
    Inventor: Robert B. Dally
  • Patent number: 11230866
    Abstract: A journal-coupler includes a first portion including a first pair of flanges and a first coupler portion and a second portion that is removably connected to the first portion. The second portion includes a second pair of flanges and a second coupler portion. The first coupler portion and the second coupler portion combine to form an enclosed torque tube portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: Sun and Steel Solar LLC
    Inventor: Robert B. Dally
  • Publication number: 20210297037
    Abstract: One embodiment includes a device for solar tracker systems. The device includes a first purlin including a first mating surface configured for frictional attachment to a first side of a torque tube. The first purlin further including a first linear shaped top surface configured for mounting a first solar module. A second purlin includes a second mating surface configured for frictional attachment to a second side of the torque tube. The second purlin further including a second linear shaped top surface configured for mounting a second solar module. The first purlin and the second purlin connect to one another with a fastening clamp that is configured for holding the first purlin and the second purlin against the torque tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2021
    Publication date: September 23, 2021
    Inventor: Robert B. Dally