Patent US8635773B2
Systems and methods for the automated installation of solar (photovoltaic or PV) modules is disclosed. Embodiments comprise a conveyor system configured to support and deliver a plurality of photovoltaic modules, and a clampless mounting framework comprising an upper rail and a lower rail, the upper and lower rails configured and spaced apart to receive and secure a photovoltaic module. The mounting framework does not require clamps, so once the modules are delivered into place, physical installation is complete.
Patent US11770099B2
Photovoltaic module feeder assemblies, systems and methods are provided which comprise two rotatable arms, a grabber bar, and at least two gripping pieces. Each arm has a proximal end and a distal end and a plurality of articulation points. The grabber bar is coupled to the distal end of each rotatable arm, and the gripping pieces are connected to each grabber bar. When the rotatable arms rotate to position the grabber bars in alignment with a photovoltaic module, the gripping pieces activate and grip or support the photovoltaic module. The rotatable arms maintain the short sides of the photovoltaic module in a horizontal position by utilizing one or more of the plurality of articulation points. The photovoltaic module feeder assembly may be coupled to a mobile unit having a conveyor and guide rails for moving and holding a pallet of photovoltaic modules. Disclosed methods may be controlled by software that can determine a just-in-time installation schedule.
Patent US11884197B2
Automated systems and methods for deployment of mounting tubs that support photovoltaic modules are provided in which a feeder assembly includes a screw thread assembly and a pivot arm. The screw thread assembly has at least one rotatable threaded component, and two such components in exemplary embodiments, positioned within the feeder assembly. The rotatable threaded component supports the stack of mounting tubs and rotates to separate the individual mounting tub from the stack of mounting tubs and lower the individual mounting tub onto the pivot arm. The pivot arm is configured to interact with an individual mounting tub and pivots to dispense the individual mounting tub onto a mounting surface. A sensor may be provided to detect the positions of the individual mounting tubs as they are moved, and a control system communicates with the sensor and the feeder assembly. The feeder assembly and a hopper holding the stack of mounting tubs may be mounted on an autonomous cart.
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Patent US20240003102A1
*pending (full application filed)
Paver feeder assemblies, systems, and methods for use in mounting photovoltaic modules are provided which comprise a support structure and an elevator. The support structure is configured to support a plurality of pavers arranged in a stack. The elevator is configured to move the single paver from the support structure and to release the single paver into a mounting tub. The elevator may be a crane gantry configured to move in three axes. A restraining mechanism may be provided, which is configured to separate a single paver from the stack. The elevator may be a shelf assembly comprising one or more side restraints and one or more grippers configured to grasp a single paver and move from a start position adjacent to the support structure to lower the single paver to an end position directly above a floor of a mounting tub. The paver feeder assembly may be mounted on a mobile unit that is loaded with pavers at a staging area and moved to a dispensing area where mounting tubs are located.
Modulator™ 90259345
Mark For: MODULATOR™ trademark registration is intended to cover the categories of mechanical system for installing solar panels comprised of a conveyor system, a mobile unit, and a mounting framework; mechanical systems for moving solar panels, namely, mobile units comprising rotatable arms, articulation points, grabbers, and grippers for gripping, lifting, delivering, and releasing photovoltaic solar panels; conveyor systems for delivering photovoltaic solar panels; mounting systems for photovoltaic solar panels, namely, mounting frameworks comprised of upper and lower rails; software for automated installation of solar panels and solar plants; software for determining the layout of a solar plant.