Patent application number | Description | Published |
20120152326 | Discrete Attachment Point Apparatus and System for Photovoltaic Arrays - 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. | 06-21-2012 |
20120234378 | Pivot-Fit Connection Apparatus and System for Photovoltaic Arrays - An apparatus and system for quickly and easily assembling PV modules into a PV array in a sturdy and durable manner. In some embodiments, the PV modules may have a grooved frame where the groove is angled into the frame with respect to the planar surface of the modules. Various components may engage within the angled groove to assemble the PV modules into the PV array using what may be referred to as a pivot-fit connection between the components and angled groove. Other embodiments may operate with PV modules having frames without angled grooves as by use of wraparound brackets. | 09-20-2012 |
20120266946 | Discrete Attachment Point Apparatus and System for Photovoltaic Arrays - 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. | 10-25-2012 |
20120301661 | Skirt for Photovoltaic Arrays - A skirt for photovoltaic arrays provides a screen portion, a groove portion, and a separate coupling adapted to couple the skirt to the skirt of an adjacent photovoltaic array and to a photovoltaic module. Another embodiment provides a screen portion comprising an angled louver and is adapted to partially obscure an area substantially beneath a PV module in a PV array. A further embodiment provides an edge blocking skirt for a PV array comprising a screen portion adapted for mounting a bottom of the screen portion substantially close to a roof. | 11-29-2012 |
20140026946 | Discrete Attachment Point Apparatus and System for Photovoltaic Arrays - An attachment point apparatus and system for photovoltaic arrays is disclosed as well as an installed photovoltaic array using attachment apparatus. One embodiment provides a rail for receiving a PV module, including a rail member located substantially beneath at least a portion of a second photovoltaic module and having a first end located near a gap between a first and second photovoltaic modules. An embodiment also provides a second photovoltaic module which is substantially coplanar with and located between a first and third photovoltaic modules and wherein said rail member is connected to the first, second, and third photovoltaic modules and attached to a support structure by a first and second attachment brackets. A further embodiment provides a lever clip, said lever clip comprising a head portion connecting a photovoltaic module to a rail, a lever portion extending away from a head portion, and a retaining portion near an end of a lever portion wherein the lever portion acts as a lever to rotate the head portion during installation such that the head portion secures the photovoltaic module to a frame. | 01-30-2014 |
20140130847 | PV Array Mounting for Trapezoidal Metal and Low-Slope Roofs - Components mount an array of solar panels to trapezoidal metal roofs or flat or low-slope roofs. Couplings may secure a trapezoidal metal roof mounting adapter to the peak of the trapezoidal portion of a trapezoidal metal roof, and couplings may secure additional mounting hardware to the adapter. Solar panels may connect to the rear portion of one support and the front portion of another support to achieve an angled installation to improve sun exposure. Wind diffusers may connect to solar panels to form a barrier extending from the upper-most edge of the installed solar panel downward toward the roof to impede wind. The flat and low-slope roof solution may comprise a penetration-free mechanism to install solar panels at an angle on a flat or substantially flat surface while impeding effect from wind and maintaining an electrically grounded connection between all components. | 05-15-2014 |
20140158184 | Skirt and Other Devices for Photovoltaic Arrays - A skirt and other devices for photovoltaic arrays, as well as photovoltaic arrays with a skirt(s) and/or other device(s) installed, related modules, and foothold devices and systems are herein disclosed. Various such embodiments include one or more array skirt(s), T-locks, grip(s), inside and outside corner cap(s), array trim(s), pest abatement screen(s), wire clip(s), foothold(s), groove adaptor bracket(s), magnetic skirt embodiment(s), as well as other structures and embodiments which are herein disclosed. | 06-12-2014 |
20140174511 | Photovoltaic Array Mounting Apparatus, Systems, and Methods - The invention comprises an apparatus for mounting a photovoltaic (PV) module on a surface, comprising a support with an upper surface, a lower surface, tabs, one ore more openings, and a clip comprising an arm and a notch, where the apparatus resists wind forces and seismic forces and creates a grounding electrical bond between the PV module, support, and clip. The invention further comprises a method for installing PV modules on a surface that includes arranging supports in rows along an X axis and in columns along a Y axis on a surface such that in each row the distance between two neighboring supports does not exceed the length of the longest side of a PV module and in each column the distance between two neighboring supports does not exceed the length of the shortest side of a PV module, placing a PV module upon the supports such that each corner of the frame of the PV module rests on a support, and connecting the supports to the PV module by engaging a clip to at least a portion of the frame of the PV module and to the support. The invention further comprises an apparatus for mounting a PV module on a surface, comprising a support with an upper surface, a lower surface, tabs, one or more openings, and a clip comprising an arm and a notch, and a bracket. The invention additionally comprises a method for installing a PV module on a surface that includes arranging supports in rows along an X axis and in columns along a Y axis on a surface such that in each row the distance between two neighboring supports does not exceed the length of the longest side of a PV module and in each column the distance between two neighboring supports does not exceed the length of the shortest side of a PV module, placing a PV module upon the supports such that each corner of the frame of the PV module rests on a support, connecting the supports to the PV module by engaging a clip to at least a portion of the frame of the PV module and to the support, and securing a bracket to a support and to the surface or structure. | 06-26-2014 |
20140246549 | Torque Tube Mounted Photovoltaic Apparatus, System, and Method - An interlocking system for connecting photovoltaic module frames to a torque tube, including: (a) an interlock dimensioned to be positioned between the sides of two adjacent photovoltaic module frames; (b) a pair of couplings or flanges, wherein the couplings or flanges connect the interlock to both of the adjacent photovoltaic module frames; and (c) a U-lock connected to the interlock, wherein the U-lock is dimensioned to be connected to a torque tube. | 09-04-2014 |
20140299179 | Photovoltaic Array Mounting Apparatus, Systems, and Methods - A photovoltaic array, including: (a) supports laid out on a surface in rows and columns; (b) photovoltaic modules positioned on top of the supports; and (c) fasteners connecting the photovoltaic modules to the supports, wherein the supports have an upper pedestal surface and a lower pedestal surface such that the photovoltaic modules are positioned at a non-horizontal angle when edges of the photovoltaic modules are positioned on top of the upper and lower pedestal surfaces, and wherein a portion of the fasteners rotate to lock the photovoltaic modules onto the supports. | 10-09-2014 |
20150040965 | Ground Mount Structure With Mounting Assemblies And Central Quick-Mount Rail - A solar array having three rails with the central rail having upward and downward facing pivot connectors, with top and bottom photovoltaic modules being pivot mounted onto the shared central rail such that the two photovoltaic modules are supported by three mounting rails. | 02-12-2015 |
20150075589 | Low-Slope Mounted Photovoltaic Array - A photovoltaic array mounting system for a low-slope roof having interchangeable first and second bases, with a short leg extending from the first base at a non-vertical angle and a long leg extending from the second base at a non-vertical angle, wherein the short and long legs support opposite sides of a photovoltaic module such that the module is held at a non-horizontal angle, and wherein rock-in connectors are provided on top of the short and long legs permitting fast and easy system installation. | 03-19-2015 |
20150155823 | CONNECTING COMPONENTS FOR PHOTOVOLTAIC ARRAYS - The invention includes an apparatus for mounting a photovoltaic (PV) module on a structure where the apparatus includes a base portion, a stud portion, and a coupling portion. The coupling portion includes a male portion that acts as a spring under load and a clip portion that penetrates the PV module frame to create a grounding bond. The apparatus includes a lower jaw, shaped to pry open a groove, and a key portion that can compress to allow for tolerances. The invention further includes a clip with one or more tabs and one or more teeth. The invention further includes a replacement roof tile which includes a support structure with a horizontal flange, a vertical component, a horizontal component, a flashing with an upper surface and a lower surface, and a tile-shaped metal surface having a curvilinear shape that reflects the shapes of adjacent tiles. | 06-04-2015 |
20150180405 | PHOTOVOLTAIC ARRAY MOUNTING APPARATUS, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS - A photovoltaic array, including: (a) supports laid out on a surface in rows and columns; (b) photovoltaic modules positioned on top of the supports; and (c) fasteners connecting the photovoltaic modules to the supports, wherein the supports have an upper pedestal surface and a lower pedestal surface such that the photovoltaic modules are positioned at a non-horizontal angle when edges of the photovoltaic modules are positioned on top of the upper and lower pedestal surfaces, and wherein a portion of the fasteners rotate to lock the photovoltaic modules onto the supports. | 06-25-2015 |
20150200618 | Skirt and Other Devices for Photovoltaic Arrays - A skirt and other devices for photovoltaic arrays, as well as photovoltaic arrays with a skirt(s) and/or other device(s) installed, related modules, and foothold devices and systems are herein disclosed. Various such embodiments include one or more array skirt(s), T-locks, grip(s), inside and outside corner cap(s), array trim(s), pest abatement screen(s), wire clip(s), foothold(s), groove adaptor bracket(s), magnetic skirt embodiment(s), as well as other structures and embodiments which are herein disclosed. | 07-16-2015 |
20150280639 | SELF-LOCKING PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULE MOUNTING SYSTEM - A photovoltaic module mounting assembly including a photovoltaic module lever lock and base portion for attaching photovoltaic modules to a roof surface. The base portion includes one or more parallel channels that provide access to one or more corresponding recesses formed in a top surface of the base portion. The lever lock includes a lobe at one end, a torque lever at the other and supports a photovoltaic module connector. The lobe is dimensioned to fit into the channel at a first orientation, and upon rotation of approximately 90 degrees, to fit into the recess at a second orientation. The module connector may support two or more photovoltaic modules. | 10-01-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100163062 | Smokeless Tobacco Articles - Tobacco articles having tobacco disposed in a porous matrix. The tobacco articles can provide tobacco to an adult consumer in the form of particles, liquid, or vapor so as to furnish tobacco satisfaction to the consumer. The tobacco can be integrally molded with a plastic material so that at least a portion of the tobacco is disposed in pores of the matrix. | 07-01-2010 |
20100170522 | Tobacco Granules and Method of Producing Tobacco Granules - A smokeless tobacco product includes a plurality of orally disintegrable granules. Each granule has a core and at least one layer surrounding the core. The at least one layer includes tobacco particles and a binder. Also disclosed are methods of making tobacco granules that comprise a core and at least one layer having tobacco particles and a binder. | 07-08-2010 |
20110023899 | Tobacco Articles and Methods - Some embodiments of a tobacco article may include tobacco disposed in a porous matrix. The tobacco article may provide tobacco, tobacco constituents, or both tobacco and tobacco constituents to the consumer's mouth in the form of particles, liquid, or vapor so as to provide tobacco satisfaction to the consumer. In some circumstances, the tobacco may be integrally molded with a plastic material so that at least a portion of the tobacco is disposed in pores of the matrix. | 02-03-2011 |
20110220133 | Tobacco Articles and Methods - Some embodiments of a tobacco article may include tobacco disposed in a porous matrix. The tobacco article may provide tobacco, tobacco constituents, or both tobacco and tobacco constituents to the consumer's mouth in the form of particles, liquid, or vapor so as to provide tobacco satisfaction to the consumer. In some circumstances, the tobacco may be integrally molded with a plastic material so that at least a portion of the tobacco is disposed in pores of the matrix. | 09-15-2011 |
20120031414 | COMPOSITE SMOKELESS TOBACCO PRODUCTS, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS - A smokeless tobacco product includes smokeless tobacco and a polymeric material in intimate contact with the smokeless tobacco and stabilized in conformance to a surface topography of the tobacco's fibrous structures such that the stabilized polymeric material secures the smokeless tobacco together. The smokeless tobacco product has a moisture-permeable porous surface and an overall oven volatiles content of at least 10 weight percent. | 02-09-2012 |
20120031416 | Fabric Having Tobacco Entangled with Structural Fibers - A smokeless tobacco product includes smokeless tobacco and structural fibers. The structural fibers forming a network in which the smokeless tobacco is entangled. The structural fibers have a composition different from the smokeless tobacco. The tobacco-entangled fabric can have an overall oven volatiles content of at least 10 weight percent. In some embodiments, the structural fibers form a nonwoven network. In some embodiments, fibrous structures of the smokeless tobacco are entangled with the structural fibers. | 02-09-2012 |
20130186416 | EXHAUSTED-TOBACCO ORAL PRODUCT - An oral product includes a body that is wholly receivable in an oral cavity. The body includes a mouth-stable polymer matrix, exhausted tobacco fibers embedded in the mouth-stable polymer matrix, and an additive dispersed in the mouth-stable polymer matrix. The oral product is adapted to release the additive from the body when the body is received within the oral cavity and exposed to saliva. | 07-25-2013 |
20130186417 | ORAL PRODUCT - An oral product includes a body that is wholly receivable in an oral cavity. The body includes a mouth-stable polymer matrix, cellulosic fibers embedded in the mouth-stable polymer matrix, and nicotine or a derivative thereof dispersed in the mouth-stable polymer matrix. The oral product is adapted to release the nicotine or derivative thereof from the body when the body is received within the oral cavity and exposed to saliva. | 07-25-2013 |
20130186418 | ORAL PRODUCT - An oral product includes a body that is wholly receivable in an oral cavity. The body includes a mouth-soluble polymer matrix, cellulosic fibers embedded in the mouth-soluble polymer matrix, and nicotine or a derivative thereof dispersed in the mouth-soluble polymer matrix. The oral product is adapted to release the nicotine or a derivative thereof from the body when the body is received within the oral cavity and exposed to saliva. | 07-25-2013 |
20130186419 | ORAL TOBACCO PRODUCT - An oral tobacco product includes a body that is wholly receivable in an oral cavity. The body includes a mouth-stable polymer matrix and tobacco fibers embedded in the mouth-stable polymer matrix. The oral tobacco product can be formed by extruding a mixture of mouth-stable polymer and tobacco fibers. | 07-25-2013 |
20130189333 | ORAL PRODUCT - An oral product includes a body that is wholly receivable in an oral cavity. The body includes a mouth-stable polymer matrix, cellulosic fibers embedded in the mouth-stable polymer matrix, and an additive dispersed in the mouth-stable polymer matrix. The oral product is adapted to release the additive from the body when the body is received within the oral cavity and exposed to saliva. | 07-25-2013 |
20130220348 | SMOKELESS TOBACCO ARTICLES - Tobacco articles having tobacco disposed in a porous matrix. The tobacco articles can provide tobacco to an adult consumer in the form of particles, liquid, or vapor so as to furnish tobacco satisfaction to the consumer. The tobacco can be integrally molded with a plastic material so that at least a portion of the tobacco is disposed in pores of the matrix. | 08-29-2013 |
20130233742 | Container Device for Tobacco Articles - Some embodiments of a tobacco product package device can be used to enhance freshness and other characteristics of tobacco products or other products contained therein. Certain features can improve product freshness both during shelf life and during consumer use. | 09-12-2013 |
20130340776 | Smokeless Tobacco Lipid Granules - A smokeless tobacco product includes a plurality of orally disintegrable granules. Each granule has a lipid core and at least one layer surrounding the core. The core can also include binders, powdered tobacco carbohydrates, water soluble polymers, flavorants, salts, sweeteners, and combinations thereof. The orally disintegrable granules can provide a pleasing texture and/or flavor experience. | 12-26-2013 |
20140000634 | Silicone Smokeless Tobacco Product | 01-02-2014 |
20140021077 | Container Device for Tobacco Articles - Some embodiments of a tobacco product package device can be used to enhance freshness and other characteristics of tobacco products or other products contained therein. Certain features can improve product freshness both during shelf life and during consumer use. | 01-23-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20140123986 | Tobacco Compositions - The invention features tobacco compositions and methods of their use and manufacture. Compositions of the invention may be based on a variety of technologies. Technologies include films, tabs, shaped parts, gels, consumable units, insoluble matrices, and hollow shapes. In addition to tobacco, compositions may also contain flavors, colors, and other additives as described herein. Compositions may also be orally disintegrable. Exemplary compositions and methods of their manufacture are described herein. | 05-08-2014 |
20140123988 | TOBACCO ARTICLES AND METHODS - Some embodiments of a tobacco article may include tobacco disposed in a porous matrix. The tobacco article may provide tobacco, tobacco constituents, or both tobacco and tobacco constituents to the consumer's mouth in the form of particles, liquid, or vapor so as to provide tobacco satisfaction to the consumer. In some circumstances, the tobacco may be integrally molded with a plastic material so that at least a portion of the tobacco is disposed in pores of the matrix. | 05-08-2014 |
20140130814 | ORAL PRODUCT - An oral product includes a body that is wholly receivable in an oral cavity. The body includes a mouth-stable polymer matrix, cellulosic fibers embedded in the mouth-stable polymer matrix, and nicotine or a derivative thereof dispersed in the mouth-stable polymer matrix. The oral product is adapted to release the nicotine or derivative thereof from the body when the body is received within the oral cavity and exposed to saliva. | 05-15-2014 |
20140332013 | ORAL PRODUCT - An oral product includes a body that is wholly receivable in an oral cavity. The body includes a mouth-stable polymer matrix, cellulosic fibers embedded in the mouth-stable polymer matrix, and a mouth-soluble binder dispersed in the mouth-stable polymer matrix. | 11-13-2014 |
20150264974 | COMPOSITE SMOKELESS TOBACCO PRODUCTS, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS - A smokeless tobacco product includes smokeless tobacco and a polymeric material in intimate contact with the smokeless tobacco and stabilized in conformance to a surface topography of the tobacco's fibrous structures such that the stabilized polymeric material secures the smokeless tobacco together. The smokeless tobacco product has a moisture-permeable porous surface and an overall oven volatiles content of at least 10 weight percent. | 09-24-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20150039410 | Dynamic Awards and Restrictive Tender System and Method - A dynamic awards and restrictive tender method and system are provided. The method includes receiving, at a processor of a sales device, a request for a purchase of an item. A purchase rule applicable to the purchase is determined. An update to the purchase rule is received. The request for the purchase is processed based upon the updated purchase rule. At the processor, a notification of a success or a rejection of the processed request for the purchase is provided to a requester initiating the request. | 02-05-2015 |
20150113460 | Data Analytics Animation System and Method - A method for animating data analytics on a display is provided. The method includes receiving, at a processor, a first request to display a set of data, the set of data including a plurality of data dimensions having respective data. The method includes generating one or more visualizations of the set of data corresponding to at least two data dimensions. The method includes applying a filter to select one or more data ranges to be displayed along the at least two data dimensions. The method includes displaying each of the one or more visualizations at respective sets of pixels of the display based upon the applied filter. The method includes generating respective animations of the displayed one or more visualizations by simultaneously displaying respective variations in the at least two data dimensions on the respective sets of the pixels of the display. | 04-23-2015 |
20150142591 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR COLLABORATIVE SHOPPING - Systems and methods are disclosed herein for facilitating collaborative shopping. Notifications may be sent to remote devices in response to a shopper's device entering a store or within a given proximity to a store. Notifications may invoke or include an interface to add items to a shared shopping list. Notifications from the shopper's device may be sent in advance of a user entering a store to alert friends and family to add items to the shared shopping list. A remote device may be used to authorize and instruct the shopper's device to pick up items that have been previously purchased either automatically or in response to an input from a user of the remote device. Authorization to pick up the previously-purchased item may be transmitted to one or both of a merchant and the shopper's device. | 05-21-2015 |
20150324702 | PREDICTIVE PATTERN PROFILE PROCESS - A system and method for providing a prediction is disclosed. A series of historical data or profiles are collected and stored on a database. Using software to provide a first set of predictive patterns from the historical profiles and a second set of predictive patters from the first set of predictive patterns from which the prediction for a particular subject such as sales can be provided. | 11-12-2015 |
20160033287 | CONSOLIDATING AND TRANSFORMING OBJECT-DESCRIPTIVE INPUT DATA TO DISTRIBUTED RENDERED LOCATION DATA - Systems and methods are provided for consolidating and transforming object-descriptive input data to distributed rendered location data. The systems and methods are configured to receive object-descriptive input data from a plurality of input devices, consolidate the object-descriptive input data and correlate it with a plurality of physical objects, determine first and second subsets of the plurality of physical objects based on a proximity of each of the physical objects to each of a plurality of user devices, construct user device-specific graphical maps each indicating a route to each object in a subset, and instruct each user device to display a graphical map constructed therefor. | 02-04-2016 |
20160036875 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MANAGEMENT OF DIGITALLY EMULATED SHADOW RESOURCES - Various aspects and embodiments facilitate management of digitally emulated physical resources. Users can access a management system to create pairings between digitally emulated resources and physical resources. The paired resources can be consistently managed through the system, such that any user from any source can access and dynamically reserve physical and digital resources. In further embodiments, the system can create pairings between the digital emulation and physical resources based on merge operations performed on multiple digital emulations of resources, copy and pasting for other digital emulation of resources, and digital altering of existing resources. The system enables efficient management, control, and implements security for digital and physical resources using, for example, a “digital room.” Security rules and enforcement can be specified within the digital rooms based on access rights, content displays, and can be specific to each resource controlled by the digital room. | 02-04-2016 |