Patents by Inventor Tyler Grushkowitz
Tyler Grushkowitz 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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Publication number: 20230412118Abstract: Mounting components of photovoltaic (PV) modules and PV module assemblies are described, including PV module couplings and PV module mounting chassis. In an example, a PV module includes a PV module coupling having a toe portion extending from a PV module frame, and a PV module mounting chassis includes a toe slot to receive the toe. The toe and toe slot construction allows for the PV module frame to be assembled to the PV module mounting chassis without using tools, and thus, permits a PV module assembly to be quickly constructed during installation of a PV module system. Furthermore, the toe and toe slot construction accommodates thermal expansion and other environmental loads seen after installation, while providing a grounding connection for the PV module assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2023Publication date: December 21, 2023Applicant: TotalEnergies OneTechInventors: Brian S. Wares, Vicent Ripoll Agullo, Tyler Grushkowitz
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Publication number: 20210126577Abstract: Mounting components of photovoltaic (PV) modules and PV module assemblies are described, including PV module couplings and PV module mounting chassis. In an example, a PV module includes a PV module coupling having a toe portion extending from a PV module frame, and a PV module mounting chassis includes a toe slot to receive the toe. The toe and toe slot construction allows for the PV module frame to be assembled to the PV module mounting chassis without using tools, and thus, permits a PV module assembly to be quickly constructed during installation of a PV module system. Furthermore, the toe and toe slot construction accommodates thermal expansion and other environmental loads seen after installation, while providing a grounding connection for the PV module assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2021Publication date: April 29, 2021Inventors: Brian S. Wares, Vicent Ripoll Agullo, Tyler Grushkowitz
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Patent number: 10917040Abstract: Mounting components of photovoltaic (PV) modules and PV module assemblies are described, including PV module couplings and PV module mounting chassis. In an example, a PV module includes a PV module coupling having a toe portion extending from a PV module frame, and a PV module mounting chassis includes a toe slot to receive the toe. The toe and toe slot construction allows for the PV module frame to be assembled to the PV module mounting chassis without using tools, and thus, permits a PV module assembly to be quickly constructed during installation of a PV module system. Furthermore, the toe and toe slot construction accommodates thermal expansion and other environmental loads seen after installation, while providing a grounding connection for the PV module assembly.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2018Date of Patent: February 9, 2021Assignee: SunPower CorporationInventors: Brian S. Wares, Vicent Ripoll Agullo, Tyler Grushkowitz
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Patent number: 10594252Abstract: Described herein are improved solar tracker systems having variable profiles and related operating methods thereof. Solar-tracking PV systems with variable twisted or aerodynamic profiles offer several advantages including improved wind stability, improved shading characteristics and/or capability to correct system component misalignment. In an embodiment, motor drives (and locking devices if present) of a PV system can be driven against each other to cause a desirable twisted or aerodynamic profile of a torque tube and associated PV modules mounted on the torque tube. The desired twisted or aerodynamic profiles can range from a substantially flat horizontal plate to a twisted helix-like profile and combinations thereof so as to establish improved wind and/or shading characteristics. Advantages can also include a reduction in structural materials, increased structural strength, increased solar energy yield or a combination thereof.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2016Date of Patent: March 17, 2020Assignee: SunPower CorporationInventors: Mark Adam Schimelpfenig, Tyler Grushkowitz
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Patent number: 10536110Abstract: A wire management device is disclosed. The device comprises a clip comprising an upper planar member and a lower planar member, each planar member having an inner and outer surface, wherein the inner surface of the upper planar member includes a post extending toward the inner surface of the lower planar member, a stem extending from the outer surface of the lower planar member, the stem including two outwardly-extending flanges, each of the first and second outwardly-extending flanges including an edge portion extending toward the outer surface of the lower planar member, and a transverse passage extending along the outer surface of the lower planar member, the transverse passage extending across the stem, wherein the stem has a recessed portion along the transverse passage.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2016Date of Patent: January 14, 2020Assignee: SunPower CorporationInventors: Tyler Grushkowitz, Kevin Fischer, Matthew Danning
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Patent number: 10469025Abstract: A solar-tracking photovoltaic (PV) system having a motor drive vertically below a PV module, is described. In an example, the motor drive rotates a torque tube holding the PV module. The motor drive may include a gearbox having a worm drive, and a gearmotor having an offset gear. The offset gear may be coupled to a planetary gear train along an axis of a worm of the worm drive, and the offset gear may be coupled to a motor along a shaft axis offset vertically below the worm axis. Accordingly, the motor may be offset vertically below the worm drive, i.e., farther from the PV laminate than the worm drive, and a rotational clearance for the PV laminate may be increased.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2016Date of Patent: November 5, 2019Assignee: SunPower CorporationInventors: Tyler Grushkowitz, Brian Wares, Mark Adam Schimelpfenig, Jason C. Jones
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Publication number: 20190280643Abstract: A solar-tracking photovoltaic (PV) system having several PV modules mounted on a torque tube is described. The torque tube may include several sections joined by a torque tube coupler. For example, the torque tube coupler may having a medial section and end sections to join to the torque tube sections. The medial section and the torque tube sections may have a same outer diameter.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2019Publication date: September 12, 2019Inventors: Sushrut Bapat, Tyler Grushkowitz, Nicholas James McKibben, Brian Wares
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Publication number: 20190219196Abstract: Cable management devices for use in photovoltaic (PV) module systems are described, including a cable support clip, a cable support stand, and a cable support tray. The cable management devices may be easily mounted on support surfaces, e.g., a roof or a frame rail, to lock electrical wiring in place and prevent contact with external structures. Furthermore, the cable management devices may be fabricated from low-cost and weather-resistant materials, e.g., spring wire or recycled automobile tires.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2019Publication date: July 18, 2019Inventors: Vicent Ripoll Agullo, Brian S. Wares, Tyler Grushkowitz
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Patent number: 10333458Abstract: A multi-drive solar-tracking photovoltaic (PV) system having several PV modules mounted on a torque tube is described. In an example, several motor drives input torque to the torque tube, and the motor drives are controlled by a single controller. The torque tube may include several sections joined by a torque tube coupler. For example, the torque tube coupler may having a medial section and end sections to join to the torque tube sections. The medial section and the adjoined torque tube sections may have a same outer diameter.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2016Date of Patent: June 25, 2019Assignee: SunPower CorporationInventors: Tyler Grushkowitz, Brian Wares, Zachary Z. Judkins, Mark Adam Schimelpfenig, Richard Joseph Erb, Nicholas James McKibben
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Patent number: 10320326Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) system having a bearing assembly to support PV modules is described. In an example, the bearing assembly includes a pair of bearing supports having respective sub-rims. The sub-rims may have complementary arcuate seat surfaces, which when combined, define a curved seat rim to receive a bearing sleeve. Accordingly, the bearing supports may be mounted symmetrically about a pile such that the sub-rims combine to support the bearing sleeve, and a torque tube holding the PV modules may be mounted on the bearing sleeve. More particularly, the torque tube may be in sliding contact with the bearing sleeve, and a weight of the PV modules and torque tube may be evenly transmitted through the pair of bearing supports to a shear center of the pile.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2016Date of Patent: June 11, 2019Assignee: SunPower CorporationInventors: Mark Adam Schimelpfenig, Tyler Grushkowitz, Brian Wares
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Patent number: 10305418Abstract: A solar-tracking photovoltaic (PV) system having several PV modules mounted on a torque tube is described. The torque tube may include several sections joined by a torque tube coupler. For example, the torque tube coupler may having a medial section and end sections to join to the torque tube sections. The medial section and the torque tube sections may have a same outer diameter.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2016Date of Patent: May 28, 2019Assignee: SunPower CorporationInventors: Sushrut Bapat, Tyler Grushkowitz, Nicholas James McKibben, Brian Wares
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Publication number: 20190097574Abstract: Mounting components of photovoltaic (PV) modules and PV module assemblies are described, including PV module couplings and PV module mounting chassis. In an example, a PV module includes a PV module coupling having a toe portion extending from a PV module frame, and a PV module mounting chassis includes a toe slot to receive the toe. The toe and toe slot construction allows for the PV module frame to be assembled to the PV module mounting chassis without using tools, and thus, permits a PV module assembly to be quickly constructed during installation of a PV module system. Furthermore, the toe and toe slot construction accommodates thermal expansion and other environmental loads seen after installation, while providing a grounding connection for the PV module assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2018Publication date: March 28, 2019Inventors: Brian S. Wares, Vicent Ripoll Agullo, Tyler Grushkowitz
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Patent number: 10174970Abstract: A rotation locking device for use in a row-level sun tracking solar energy collection system includes a housing, a first locking member, a second locking member, and an actuator. The housing is configured to be mounted to a pile and configured to permit a torque tube to extend through the housing. The first locking member has a plurality of circumferentially spaced projections attached to and rotatable with the torque tube. The second locking member is connected to the housing and has a plurality of mating elements for engaging projections of the first locking member. The actuator is configured to relatively move the first and second locking members between an unlocked position in which the mating elements are disengaged from the projections and a locked position in which the mating elements are engaged with the projections to inhibit rotation of the torque tube with respect to the housing.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2016Date of Patent: January 8, 2019Assignee: SunPower CorporationInventors: Tyler Grushkowitz, Matthew Scott Lambert, Brian Wares, Mark Adam Schimelpfenig, Nicholas James McKibben
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Patent number: 10171027Abstract: Mounting components of photovoltaic (PV) modules and PV module assemblies are described, including PV module couplings and PV module mounting chassis. In an example, a PV module includes a PV module coupling having a toe portion extending from a PV module frame, and a PV module mounting chassis includes a toe slot to receive the toe. The toe and toe slot construction allows for the PV module frame to be assembled to the PV module mounting chassis without using tools, and thus, permits a PV module assembly to be quickly constructed during installation of a PV module system. Furthermore, the toe and toe slot construction accommodates thermal expansion and other environmental loads seen after installation, while providing a grounding connection for the PV module assembly.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2015Date of Patent: January 1, 2019Assignee: SunPower CorporationInventors: Brian S. Wares, Vicent Ripoll Agullo, Tyler Grushkowitz
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Publication number: 20180175783Abstract: Described herein are improved solar tracker systems having variable profiles and related operating methods thereof. Solar-tracking PV systems with variable twisted or aerodynamic profiles offer several advantages including improved wind stability, improved shading characteristics and/or capability to correct system component misalignment. In an embodiment, motor drives (and locking devices if present) of a PV system can be driven against each other to cause a desirable twisted or aerodynamic profile of a torque tube and associated PV modules mounted on the torque tube. The desired twisted or aerodynamic profiles can range from a substantially flat horizontal plate to a twisted helix-like profile and combinations thereof so as to establish improved wind and/or shading characteristics. Advantages can also include a reduction in structural materials, increased structural strength, increased solar energy yield or a combination thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2016Publication date: June 21, 2018Inventors: Mark Adam Schimelpfenig, Tyler Grushkowitz
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Patent number: 10003298Abstract: A cable tray and support system facilitates cable management in a solar energy collector system at reduced cost relative to previous cable tray and support systems. The cable tray and support system comprises cables trays, mounting brackets, and vertically-oriented piles. The mounting brackets are coupled to the cables trays and vertically-oriented piles. The mounting brackets include one or more stress relief features (e.g., notches) to allow the mounting bracket to provide cantilevered deflection in response to thermal expansion or contraction-of the cable tray. The cable tray and support system also provides a ground path from a cable tray, to the mounting bracket, to the pile, and then to the ground to dissipate transient voltages in the solar energy collection system.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2016Date of Patent: June 19, 2018Assignee: SUNPOWER CORPORATIONInventors: Tyler Grushkowitz, Brian Wares, Vicent Ripoll Agullo, Shannon Mark Bachart, Matthew Scott Lambert
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Patent number: 9998064Abstract: A solar energy collection system can include improved mounting hardware for reducing hardware costs and labor required for assembly. For example, mounting hardware can include surfaces for supporting part or all of the weight of a solar module as it is brought into contact with mounting hardware and then moved into a final engaged position. In some systems, a torque tube can include saddle mount assemblies that allow a solar module to be partially engaged and a registered with the saddle mount while being pivoted into a final locked engagement. Some systems can include arrangements sufficient to support the full weight of a solar module in a disengaged position, and as it is moved into a final engaged position. Some systems can include a configuration of apertures and interference or snap-fit features for providing tool-less connections, thereby simplifying the assembly process.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2015Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: SUNPOWER CORPORATIONInventors: Brian S. Wares, Tyler Grushkowitz, Nicholas McKibben
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Publication number: 20180073773Abstract: A rotation locking device for use in a row-level sun tracking solar energy collection system includes a housing, a first locking member, a second locking member, and an actuator. The housing is configured to be mounted to a pile and configured to permit a torque tube to extend through the housing. The first locking member has a plurality of circumferentially spaced projections attached to and rotatable with the torque tube. The second locking member is connected to the housing and has a plurality of meeting elements for engaging projections of the first locking member. The actuator is configured to relatively move the first and second locking members between an unlocked position in which the mating elements are disengaged from the projections and a locked position in which the mating elements are engaged with the projections to inhibit rotation of the torque tube with respect to the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2016Publication date: March 15, 2018Inventors: Tyler Grushkowitz, Matthew Scott Lambert, Brian Wares, Mark Adam Schimelpfenig, Nicholas James McKibben
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Publication number: 20180062565Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) system having a bearing assembly to support PV modules is described. In an example, the bearing assembly includes a pair of bearing supports having respective sub-rims. The sub-rims may have complementary arcuate seat surfaces, which when combined, define a curved seat rim to receive a bearing sleeve. Accordingly, the bearing supports may be mounted symmetrically about a pile such that the sub-rims combine to support the bearing sleeve, and a torque tube holding the PV modules may be mounted on the bearing sleeve. More particularly, the torque tube may be in sliding contact with the bearing sleeve, and a weight of the PV modules and torque tube may be evenly transmitted through the pair of bearing supports to a shear center of the pile.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2016Publication date: March 1, 2018Inventors: Mark Adam Schimelpfenig, Tyler Grushkowitz, Brian Wares
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Publication number: 20180062563Abstract: A solar-tracking photovoltaic (PV) system having several PV modules mounted on a torque tube is described. The torque tube may include several sections joined by a torque tube coupler. For example, the torque tube coupler may having a medial section and end sections to join to the torque tube sections. The medial section and the torque tube sections may have a same outer diameter.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2016Publication date: March 1, 2018Inventors: Sushrut Bapat, Tyler Grushkowitz, Nicholas James McKibben, Brian Wares