The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 13, 2003
Filed:
Oct. 11, 2001
Herbert T. Hayden, Tempe, AZ (US);
Jefferson G. Shingleton, Auburn, NY (US);
Pinnacle West Capital Corporation, Phoenix, AZ (US);
Abstract
A tilted single-axis tracking system ( ) for collecting solar energy includes a structure ( ) for supporting an array ( ) of photovoltaic (PV) modules ( ) above a surface ( ). The structure ( ) includes a frame ( ) having first and second legs ( ) configured to extend upwardly from the surface ( ) and join at an apex ( ). A base tensioning member ( ) of the frame ( ) is interposed between the first and second legs ( ). A torque tube ( ) is pivotally retained by the frame ( ) at the apex ( ) and is configured for attachment of the array ( ) of PV modules ( ). A foot member ( ) pivotally retains a tube end ( ) of the torque tube ( ) and is configured to rest on the surface ( ). A first tensioning member ( ) is coupled between the foot member ( ) and the first leg ( ), and a second tensioning member ( ) is coupled between the foot member ( ) and the second leg ( ). A pre-tensioning member ( ) extends from the apex ( ) of the frame ( ) and is configured for attachment to the surface ( ). In an alternative embodiment, the pre-tensioning member ( ) is omitted and pre-tensioning members ( ) extend from each of the first and second legs ( ) and the foot member ( ) and are configured for attachment to the surface ( ).