Batteries: thermoelectric and photoelectric – Photoelectric – Panel or array
Reexamination Certificate
1999-12-03
2001-03-13
Diamond, Alan (Department: 1753)
Batteries: thermoelectric and photoelectric
Photoelectric
Panel or array
C136S245000, C136S246000, C136S248000, C136S291000, C126S704000, C126S600000, C126S608000, C126S627000, C320S101000, C280S063000, C280S047340
Reexamination Certificate
active
06201181
ABSTRACT:
INTRODUCTION
Photovoltaic panels, commonly called solar panels, generally comprise a plurality of interconnected modules each consisting of a plurality of interconnected photovoltaic cells. The solar panels are usually constructed much like a picture in a frame, with the solar cells being laminated between a transparent front cover and a protective back layer, and that laminate being mounted within a surrounding rectangular metal frame. Examples of solar modules and panels are provided by U.S. Pat. No. 4,097,308, issued Jun. 27, 1978 to W. R. Klein et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,433,200, issued Feb. 21, 1984 to T. L. Jester et al; U.S. Pat. No. 4,692,557, issued Sep. 8, 1987 to G. M. Samuelson et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,110,369 issued May 5, 1992 to E. Tornstrom et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,228,924, issued Jul. 20, 1993 to J. M. Barker et al; U.S. Pat. No. 5,478,402, issued Dec. 26, 1998 to J. I. Hanoka; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,733,382, issued Mar. 31, 1998 to J. I. Hanoka. The panels often include a diode assembly for protecting the solar cells from reverse bias damage, as shown by U.S. Pat. No. 4,323,719, issued Apr. 6, 1982 to M. A. Green, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,481,378, issued Nov. 6, 1984 to I. A. Lesk.
In many cases solar panels are used to charge batteries. One common solar system installation is one where a solar panel is used to charge one or more lead acid batteries similar to those used in automotive vehicles. These solar panels may be fixed to a roof, or a pole-type support, or some other type of support structure. Each lead acid battery typically weighs 50 to 100 lbs., and the typical solar panel used to charge such batteries provides 50 to 100 watts and weighs anywhere from 12 to 22 lbs. The metal frame of the solar panel is usually outfitted with a set of mounting holes to facilitate mounting the panel according to recommended mounting practices. The weight of these systems—particularly the battery—is one major reason why these systems are so often fixed, as compared to portable.
The concept disclosed here is to make these solar panel systems portable and readily deployable. The concept makes use of a solar panel's structural strength and shape. The components used to make the system portable are also used in positioning the solar panel for optimal orientation to the sun to maximize power production. The inventive concept comprises providing a platform for carrying the battery or other items. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the platform is hinged relative to the solar panel so that it can be nested against the solar panel when it is not needed to carry a battery or other items.
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Azzam Moneer H.
Dalmaso Brian A.
Slavsky Steven T.
Wheeler Mark W.
ASE Americas, Inc.
Diamond Alan
Pandiscio & Pandiscio
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