Spacing gauge with thermal indicia for solar panel mounting systems
US8991065B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 23, 2014 |
| Grant date | Mar 31, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 23, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T403/1616
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Disclosed are devices and a system for compensating for thermal expansion and contraction of rail mounted solar panel rooftop systems. In one aspect, a floating end clamp that secures a solar panel in slidable captive cooperation with a mounting rail. In another aspect, a rail splice bridges two mounting rails with a gap between the rails for thermal expansion and contraction. The rail splice includes indicia for setting the gap distance between rails based on ambient temperature at the time of installation. In another aspect, a spacing gauge includes indicia for setting the gap distance between rails based on ambient temperature at the time of installation.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.