Patent US4392009A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4392009A
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US
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Solar power module
Assignee: BP Solar International LLC
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Filing: 1981-10-16
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Granted: 1983-07-05
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Expires: 2001-10-16
Abstract
Abstract A solar power module comprising an array of solar cells arranged on a flat panel, said panel being supported by a substantially rigid, easily assembled frame comprising spaced apart side channels that each interlock with adjacent and channels.
Inventors
- 👤 Joseph D. Napoli
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 05:46
CPC Classifications
H; H02; H02S; H02S40/00; H02S40/30; H02S40/34; H02S30/00; H02S30/10; H10; H10F; H10F19/00; H10F19/80; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E10/00; Y02E10/50
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 17
Claim 1
Independent Claim
56 words
A mass-produced solar power module, comprising: an array of current-generating solar cells arranged upon a substantially flat panel; and a substantially rigid, easily assembled frame supporting said solar panel, said frame having spaced-apart side channels that each interlock with adjacent end sections about said panel to form a rigid, integral, easily-assembled, supporting frame for said panel.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
56 words
A mass-produced solar power module, comprising: an array of current-generating solar cells arranged upon a substantially flat panel; and a substantially rigid, easily assembled frame supporting said solar panel, said frame having spaced-apart side channels that each interlock with adjacent end sections about said panel to form a rigid, integral, easily-assembled, supporting frame for said panel.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
40 words
The solar power module of claim 1, wherein each of said end sections comprise projecting tabs each of which extend into a hollow end portion of each of said channels to rigidly secure said end sections to said side channels.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
43 words
The solar power module of claim 2, wherein each of said tabs have a snap connector which locks said tabs firmly within each hollow end portion of each of said channels to provide a rigidly fastened, interlocking integral frame for said solar panel.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
The solar power module of claim 3, further comprising a junction box supported by said frame.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
The solar power module of claim 4, wherein said junction box comprises injection molded plastic.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
The solar power module of claim 4, wherein said junction box has an aperture in a mid-portion thereof, for receiving electrical leads from said solar panel.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
22 words
The solar power module of claim 6, wherein said aperture has a substantially circumferential seal upon its periphery adjacent said solar panel.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
35 words
The solar power module of claim 3, wherein each of said tabs has a split construction for allowing each of said tabs to compressively fit within said hollow end portion of each of said channels.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
16 words
The solar power module of claim 1, further comprising a junction box supported by said frame.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
15 words
The solar power module of claim 5, wherein said junction box comprises injection molded plastic.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
26 words
The solar power module of claim 9, wherein said junction box has an aperture in a mid-portion thereof, for receiving electrical leads from said solar panel.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
22 words
The solar power module of claim 11, wherein said aperture has a substantially circumferential seal upon its periphery adjacent said solar panel.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
14 words
The solar power module of claim 1, wherein said side channels comprise extruded aluminum.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
15 words
The solar power module of claim 1, wherein said end sections comprise injection molded plastic.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
22 words
The solar power module of claim 1, wherein each of said side channels contain an internal channel for securing an anchor bolt.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
37 words
The solar power module of claim 1, wherein said frame is substantially black in order to have approximately the same absorption coefficient as said solar cells and glass, in order to provide temperature uniformity in said module.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1986-07-04 | 1987-01-03 | 1987-07-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-07-04 | 1991-01-03 | 1991-07-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-07-04 | 1995-01-03 | 1995-07-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |