Sunpower Corporation

Enphase Energy, Inc.

Apple Inc.

Whisker Labs, Inc.

Enphase Engery, Inc.

Ryan J Linderman

Matthew J Dawson

Keith Johnston

Mehmet Mutlu

Michael K McCord

Thomas Phu

Charles Bernardo Almy

Brian S Wares

Zachary Steele Judkins

Itai Suez

Nicholas Barton

Lewis C Abra

David B DeGraaff

Nicholas Boitnott

Amine Berrada Sounni

Steven M Lanzisera

Doug Rose

An optical module includes a beam-tilting light source enclosure. The enclosure is coupled to a substrate that includes a light emitter connected thereto. The enclosure has a geometry such that the enclosure has a first surface configured to couple substantially flat to the substrate and a second surface tilted with respect to the first surface and configured to couple substantially flat to a component of an electronic device through which the light is to project. The enclosure is optically transmissive and covers the light source when coupled to the substrate. In this way, the enclosure may be assembled and used in the electronic device by coupling the first surface to the substrate and coupling the second surface to the component.

Beam-tilting light source enclosures

Beam-tilting light source enclosures comprising a flat optical surface, of which emitted light travels through, is oriented transverse to a substrate

An AC trunk cable assembly and a system for coupling AC power to a power grid. In one embodiment, the AC trunk cable assembly comprises an AC trunk cable that (i) comprises at least two wires for carrying AC voltage phases, and (ii) does not have a ground wire; and a plurality of AC trunk splice connectors, spaced along the AC trunk cable, for coupling to a plurality of inverters in a one-to-one-correspondence, wherein each AC trunk splice connector of the plurality of AC trunk splice connectors comprises at least two phase-line conductors for coupling AC power from the corresponding inverter to the at least two wires of the AC trunk cable.

Bulkhead interface and cable connector

An apparatus for mounting a power electronic device to a photovoltaic (PV) module. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a mounting bracket that mechanically couples the power electronic device to the backsheet of the PV module such that positioning of the power electronic device can be dynamically interchanged between a retracted position in which the power electronic device is pressed flat to the backsheet, and an extended position in which the power electronic device is coupled to the backsheet with an air gap between the power electronic device and the backsheet.

Dual-position mount for power electronic devices

An apparatus and system for mechanically coupling a power conditioning unit (PCU) to a photovoltaic (PV) module. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a base member, adapted for mounting a power conditioning unit (PCU) on a PV module backsheet, comprising a plurality of PCU retention members for retaining the PCU; and at least one compression spring, coupled to the base member, for maintaining the PCU in a position, with respect to the PV module backsheet, that can be dynamically changed between a first position and a second position.

PV module power electronics mounting system with compression spring

An apparatus for mounting a power electronic device to a photovoltaic (PV) module. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a mounting bracket adapted to mechanically couple the power electronic device to the backsheet of the PV module such that the power electronic device can be interchangeably positioned in a retracted position and an extended position, the extended position having an air gap between the power electronic device and the backsheet.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are drawn to a method and apparatus for securing a segmented cable in manufacturing and for shipping and storage. In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises two or more fixtures, each comprising a plurality of locking receptacles along a body of each fixture, wherein each of the plurality of locking receptacles comprises a locking mechanism to secure a connector of a plurality of connectors on a power cable.

Method and apparatus for securing a segmented power cable for shipping and storage

A system for power conversion without a connection to ground, comprises an inverter dimensioned and arranged to receive a DC input and generate, from the DC input, a first AC line voltage carrying output and a second AC line voltage carrying output. The inverter includes an enclosure formed from an insulating material, and a bulkhead connector interface having a first two terminal port that receives the DC input, and a second two terminal port that couples the first and the second AC line voltage carrying outputs to an AC line. The first two terminal port comprises a first keying feature to prevent a DC plug, adapted for being plugged into the DC port, from being plugged into the AC port. The second two terminal port comprises a second keying feature to prevent an AC plug, adapted for being plugged into the AC port, from being plugged into the DC port.

An apparatus for mechanically coupling a power conditioner to a photovoltaic (PV) module frame. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises: a bracket, adapted for mechanically coupling the power conditioner to the PV module frame, comprising at least one inner-flange tab and at least one outer-flange tab for trapping a flange of the PV module frame between them; and at least one self-locking mounting structure for locking the bracket to the PV module frame without requiring any holes in the PV module frame.

Apparatus for mounting a power conditioner to a photovoltaic module frame

A drive can include a positional sensor within an outer housing of the drive so as to provide an output indicative of a position of the drive. The positional sensor can be an inclinometer. The inclinometer can be used for feedback control of an inclination of the drive. The drive can further include control electronics within the same housing, so as to provide feedback control of a motor of the drive. The control electronics can include an input for receiving a requested inclination and can be configured to drive the motor until the inclinometer outputs a signal indicative of the requested angle.

Drive with integrated inclination sensor

An apparatus and system for presenting a power output from a photovoltaic (PV) module. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a connector assembly comprising (i) an encapsulated ribbon egress, integrated with the PV module, comprising a plurality of PV module substring interconnects electrically coupled to a plurality of PV cells of the PV module; and (ii) a connector comprising a two-pole DC electrical output that is electrically coupled to the plurality of PV module substring interconnects.

Apparatus and system for coupling power electronics to a photovoltaic module

An apparatus for positioning and attaching one or more sensor devices to a surface of an electrical component is described. The apparatus comprises one or more sensor devices and a stencil fixture that holds at least one of the one or more sensor devices, where the stencil fixture positions the sensor at a location proximate to a surface of the electrical component prior to attaching the sensor to the surface of the electrical component.

Growing community of inventors

Oakland, CA, United States of America

Ryan J Linderman