Abstract:
A junction box (10) for a photovoltaic system includes a housing (12) having a base (14) and a cover (16) removably attached thereto, and a plurality of guide channels (66) extending from an exterior surface of the housing (12) to an interior portion thereof. The guide channels (66) are sized and shaped to receive a plurality of conductive foil strips (122) from a solar panel array. When the strips (122) are fed into the guide channels (66), they are guided to and properly positioned within corresponding receptacles (54). Each receptacle (54) is sized and shaped to receive a buss bar (106), and each strip (122) is connected to a corresponding buss bar (106) by a low insertion connector (126). When the cover (16) is fully engaged with the base (14), bosses (104) extending from the cover (16) press against the connectors (126), creating a spring tension and pinch and retain the associated strip (122). As a result, a reliable physical and electrical connection between the strips (122) and the buss bars (106) is achieved. A heat sink (112) having a plurality of fins (116) protrude outwardly from the housing (12) to dissipate heat externally.
Abstract:
An article is marked with image indicia for authentication, information, or decoration by providing a plurality of inks having a plurality of fluorescence colors when exposed to excitation energy, separating colors of the image indicia into a plurality of image levels in accordance with the fluorescence colors of the inks, and printing each image level in mutual registration on the article using the corresponding ink. The image printed with each ink may be substantially invisible under illumination within the visible spectrum The invisibly printed images have multiple authentication features, including the use of covert UV-fluorescent materials, IR-fluorophores, microparticles, and other chemical taggants. Ink compositions, methods for making the inks, and methods and apparatus for using the inks are also disclosed.
Abstract:
A panel-mounted electrical connector pair (12,36) has a recessed electrical connector (12) having a socket portion (18) with a first flange (26) proximate an open end (20) thereof, a first distal web (22) and a first type of electrical terminal (24a) protruding through said first distal web (22). The socket portion (18) is extendable through a first opening (64) in a first panel (62), with the first flange (26) abutting against the first panel (62). The connector pair (12, 36) includes a protruding connector (36) with a plug portion (38). The protruding connector (36) has a proximal end plate (42), a second distal web (44) spaced from the proximal end plate (42), a second flange (48) disposed on the protruding connector (36) proximate to the second distal web (44), and a second type of electrical terminal (46a) protruding through the second distal web (44) toward the proximal end plate (42). The proximal end plate (42) has an opening (94a) therein aligned with the second type of electrical terminal (46a). The protruding connector (36) is extendable through a second opening (76) in a second panel (74), with the second flange (48) abutting against the second panel (74). The plug portion (38) is slideably receivable within the socket portion (18) with the proximal end plate (42) approaching the first distal web (22). The first type electrical terminal (24a) penetrates the opening (94a) in the end plate (42) and electrically contacts the second type electrical terminal (46a) establishing an area of contact located between the first flange (26) and the first distal web (22) when the first panel (62) and the second panel (74) are brought together in close parallel juxtaposition.
Abstract:
An article is marked with image indicia for authentication, information, or decoration by providing a plurality of inks having a plurality of fluorescence colors when exposed to excitation energy, separating colors of the image indicia into a plurality of image levels in accordance with the fluorescence colors of the inks, and printing each image level in mutual registration on the article using the corresponding ink. The image printed with each ink may be substantially invisible under illumination within the visible spectrum. The invisibly printed images have multiple authentication features, including the use of covert UV-fluorescent materials, IR-fluorophores, microparticles, and other chemical taggants. Ink compositions, methods for making the inks, and methods and apparatus for using the inks are also disclosed.
Abstract:
An electrical connector system (10) including a first connector member (12) including a socket (40) with a first annular ridge (44) at its tip (46), while a second annular ridge (48) is formed within the socket (40) at its base (50), an electrically-conductive pin (66) being housed within the first connector member (12) and extending into the interior of the socket (40), and a second connector member (14) including a plug (90). An electrically-conductive socket (118), mated to the pin (66), is housed within the plug (90). When the plug (90) of the second connector member (14) is mated with the socket (40) of the first connector member (12), the tip (98) of the plug (90) contacts the annular ridge (48) at the base (40) of the socket (40), which is deformed so as to form a water-tight seal between the tip (98) of the plug (90) and the base (50) of the socket (40). Likewise, the annular ridge (44) at the tip (46) of the socket (40) contacts the base (100) of the recess (92) and is deformed so as to form another water-tight seal.
Abstract:
A junction box (10) for a photovoltaic system includes a housing (12) having a base (14) and a cover (16) removably attached thereto, and a plurality of guide channels (66) extending from an exterior surface of the housing (12) to an interior portion thereof. The guide channels (66) are sized and shaped to receive a plurality of conductive foil strips (122) from a solar panel array. When the strips (122) are fed into the guide channels (66), they are guided to and properly positioned within corresponding receptacles (54). Each receptacle (54) is sized and shaped to receive a buss bar (106), and each strip (122) is connected to a corresponding buss bar (106) by a low insertion connector (126). When the cover (16) is fully engaged with the base (14), bosses (104) extending from the cover (16) press against the connectors (126), creating a spring tension and pinch and retain the associated strip (122). As a result, a reliable physical and electrical connection between the strips (122) and the buss bars (106) is achieved. A heat sink (112) having a plurality of fins (116) protrude outwardly from the housing (12) to dissipate heat externally.