IP Library Granted Patent US 8,448,318
Granted Patent B2
US 8,448,318 · App. 12/856,246 · Granted May 28, 2013

Removal tool

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 8,448,318
App. No.
12/856,246
Granted
May 28, 2013
Kind
B2
Abstract

A tool and a method for removing a cord plate or junction box from a surface of a photovoltaic laminated module, that is to be refitted, scrapped or recycled includes a first and a second arm of a clamp mechanism, that can operate like a claw, positioned on opposing sides of the cord plate, at the interface between the cord plate and the module surface. The arms can be pinched together to bring the moving arm closer towards the fixed arm, to apply an upward pressure that breaks the bond between the cord plate and the module surface.

Claims (17)

1. A system that removes a cord plate or junction box from a module surface,

the system comprising:

the cord plate or junction box wherein at least one of the cord plate or junction box is part of said system;

a tool comprising a first arm comprising a first actuation end and a first clamp end; and

a second arm comprising a second actuation end and a second clamp end, pivotally connected to the first arm between the ends of the arms, wherein the first clamp end and second clamp end are configured to move towards each other and become positioned between the cord plate or the junction box and the module surface, when the first and second clamp ends of the arms are positioned on opposing sides of the cord plate or the junction box at the interface between the cord plate and the module surface, and the distance between the actuation ends is decreased.

2. The tool of claim 1 , wherein an arm is fixed.

3. The tool of claim 1 , wherein an arm is moveable.

4. The tool of claim 1 , wherein the first arm and the second arm comprise a plastic material.

5. The tool of claim 1 , wherein the first arm and the second arm comprise a metal material.

6. The tool of claim 1 , wherein one of the first clamp end and the second clamp end comprises a wedge shape.

7. The tool of claim 1 , wherein one of the first clamp end and the second clamp end comprises a chisel shape.

8. The tool of claim 1 , wherein one of the first actuation end and the second actuation end is connected to an actuator configured to exert a force that decreases the distance between the first actuation end and the second actuation end.

9. The tool of claim 8 , wherein the actuator comprises a pressure producing device, wherein the pressure producing device releases air configured to exert the force that decreases the distance between the first actuation end and the second actuation end.

10. The tool of claim 9 , wherein the pressure producing device comprises an air cylinder or an electric air pump.

11. The tool of claim 8 , wherein the actuator comprises a screw drive.

12. The tool of claim 8 , wherein the actuator comprises an electric device, wherein the electric device exerts a force that decreases the distance between the first actuation end and the second actuation end.

13. The tool of claim 12 , wherein the electric device comprises an electric motor.

Assignments (8)
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Feb 13, 2026
From: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.
To: FIRST SOLAR, INC.
Reel/Frame 074858/0364 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Jul 10, 2023
From: FIRST SOLAR, INC.
To: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
Reel/Frame 064237/0462 →
TERMINATION AND RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENT RIGHTS Recorded Nov 15, 2021
From: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.
To: FIRST SOLAR, INC.
Reel/Frame 058132/0566 →
TERMINATION AND RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENT RIGHTS Recorded Nov 15, 2021
From: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.
To: FIRST SOLAR, INC.
Reel/Frame 058132/0261 →
PATENT SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Jul 12, 2017
From: FIRST SOLAR, INC.
To: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
Reel/Frame 043177/0581 →
CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE PATENT APPLICATION 13/895113 ERRONEOUSLY ASSIGNED BY FIRST SOLAR, INC. TO JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A. ON JULY 19, 2013 PREVIOUSLY RECORDED ON REEL 030832 FRAME 0088. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE CORRECT PATENT APPLICATION TO BE ASSIGNED IS 13/633664. Recorded Sep 19, 2014
From: FIRST SOLAR, INC.
To: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.
Reel/Frame 033779/0081 →
SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Jul 19, 2013
From: FIRST SOLAR, INC.
To: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.
Reel/Frame 030832/0088 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Feb 28, 2011
From: MURPHY, STEPHEN P.
To: FIRST SOLAR, INC.
Reel/Frame 025870/0388 →