Patent ID: 7566250

Claim:
A wire grounding assembly for use in grounding a photovoltaic module having an anodized frame comprising: a unitary bidirectional connector having a torque-receiving portion that is radially oriented about a major axis of the unitary bidirectional connector, the torque-receiving portion having a first radial surface and an opposing second radial surface; the unitary bidirectional connector further having a first threaded shaft and a second threaded shaft, the first threaded shaft projecting outwardly from the first radial surface, the second threaded shaft projecting outwardly from the second radial surface, the first threaded shaft and the second threaded shaft being aligned such that their respective major axes coincide with the major axis of the unitary bidirectional connector, the first threaded shaft having an axial ground wire slot configured to receive a ground wire therein, the second threaded shaft having a base; the unitary bidirectional connector further having an annular sharp projection that projects beyond a plane of the second radial surface, encircling the base of the second threaded shaft, the annular sharp projection being configured to penetrate a non-conductive surface of a ground upon application of sufficient torque to the torque-receiving portion; and the wire grounding assembly further including a second nut dimensioned to engage the second threaded shaft, the second nut having an attached free-spinning washer, the attached free-spinning washer having a serrated surface configured to penetrate the non-conductive surface of an anodized ground of the frame.