US 11,884,197 B2
Systems and methods of automated deployment of mounting devices for photovoltaic modules for solar plant installation
Nicholas Paul Carter, San Carlos, CA (US); Mario Bogdan, Belmont, CA (US); and Craig Brinton, Belmont, CA (US)
Assigned to Nicholas P. Carter, San Carlos, CA (US)
Filed by Nicholas Paul Carter, San Carlos, CA (US)
Filed on Jul. 18, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/866,769.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/223,082, filed on Jul. 19, 2021.
Prior Publication US 2023/0014908 A1, Jan. 19, 2023
Int. Cl. B65G 59/06 (2006.01); B60P 1/42 (2006.01); B60P 3/00 (2006.01); B66F 9/075 (2006.01); B66F 9/06 (2006.01); G05D 1/02 (2020.01); H02S 20/10 (2014.01); H02S 20/23 (2014.01)
CPC B60P 1/42 (2013.01) [B60P 3/00 (2013.01); B65G 59/063 (2013.01); B66F 9/063 (2013.01); B66F 9/0755 (2013.01); G05D 1/021 (2013.01); H02S 20/10 (2014.12); H02S 20/23 (2014.12)] 19 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An automated system for deployment of mounting tubs supporting photovoltaic modules, comprising:
a feeder assembly including a screw thread assembly and a pivot arm having two arms;
the screw thread assembly having at least one rotatable threaded component positioned within the feeder assembly, the at least one rotatable threaded component supporting the stack of mounting tubs;
the two arms forming a profile configured to engage with indents defined in a rim of an individual mounting tub;
wherein the at least one rotatable threaded component rotates to separate the individual mounting tub from the stack of mounting tubs and lower the individual mounting tub onto the pivot arm; and
wherein the pivot arm pivots to dispense the individual mounting tub onto a mounting surface.