Patents by Inventor Richard E. Rocheleau

Richard E. Rocheleau has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 7122873
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a semiconductor device for production of a gas from a material comprising the gas using light as the sole power source. In an embodiment, the semiconductor comprises a substrate; a solid-state semiconductor layer disposed on the substrate; a photoactive semiconductor top layer further comprising a photoelectrochemical electrode junction; and an interface layer disposed between the solid-state semiconductor layer and the photoactive semiconductor top layer. A surface of the photoactive semiconductor top layer is exposed to both a source of light such as the sun and to the material, e.g. a liquid electrolyte. The gas is liberated from the material, e.g. hydrogen liberated from a liquid electrolyte. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: University of Hawaii
    Inventors: Eric L. Miller, Richard E. Rocheleau
  • Patent number: 6887728
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a semiconductor device for production of a gas from a material comprising the gas using light as the sole power source. In an embodiment, the semiconductor comprises a substrate; a solid-state semiconductor layer disposed on the substrate; a photoactive semiconductor top layer further comprising a photoelectrochemical electrode junction; and an interface layer disposed between the solid-state semiconductor layer and the photoactive semiconductor top layer. A surface of the photoactive semiconductor top layer is exposed to both a source of light such as the sun and to the material, e.g. a liquid electrolyte. The gas is liberated from the material, e.g. hydrogen liberated from a liquid electrolyte. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: University of Hawaii
    Inventors: Eric L. Miller, Richard E. Rocheleau
  • Publication number: 20040195564
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a semiconductor device for production of a gas from a material comprising the gas using light as the sole power source. In an embodiment, the semiconductor comprises a substrate; a solid-state semiconductor layer disposed on the substrate; a photoactive semiconductor top layer further comprising a photoelectrochemical electrode junction; and an interface layer disposed between the solid-state semiconductor layer and the photoactive semiconductor top layer. A surface of the photoactive semiconductor top layer is exposed to both a source of light such as the sun and to the material, e.g. a liquid electrolyte. The gas is liberated from the material, e.g. hydrogen liberated from a liquid electrolyte. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventors: Eric L. Miller, Richard E. Rocheleau
  • Patent number: 4654226
    Abstract: A photochemical vapor deposition apparatus includes a reactor housing having a window in one wall above a reaction chamber in the housing. A transparent curtain divides the reaction chamber into a reaction zone and a flush zone. At least one substrate is mounted in the reaction zone in light communication with the window so that ultraviolet radiation may penetrate through the window into the reaction zone. The window is kept clear by a gas flowing through the flush zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1987
    Assignee: The University of Delaware
    Inventors: Scott C. Jackson, Richard E. Rocheleau
  • Patent number: 4526809
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process and apparatus for formation and deposition of thin films on a substrate, in a vacuum, by evaporation of the elements to form a Zn.sub.x Cd.sub.1-x S compound having a preselected fixed ratio of cadmium to zinc, characterized by the evaporation of cadmium and zinc at a rate the ratio of which is proportional to the stoichiometric ratio of those elements in the intended compound and evaporation of sulfur at a rate at least twice the combined rates of cadmium and zinc, and at least twice that required by the stoichiometry of the intended compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1985
    Assignee: University of Delaware
    Inventors: Robert B. Hall, Richard E. Rocheleau
  • Patent number: 4401052
    Abstract: An apparatus to deposit material on a substrate, such as in the making of thin solar cells, consists of two chambers. A manifold chamber having a plurality of spaces nozzles assures efficient and uniform deposition on a substrate. The rate of depositions is controlled by an orifice in a passageway connecting the manifold chamber to an evaporation chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1982
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1983
    Assignee: The University of Delaware
    Inventors: Bill N. Baron, Richard E. Rocheleau, T. W. Fraser Russell
  • Patent number: 4396640
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for controlling the temperature of a substrate onto which thin films of semiconductor materials are vapor deposited. The apparatus contains a platen contacting a surface of said substrate over the entire length of the deposition zone; said platen having at least one cavity therein and a rounded edge where said substrate first contacts said platen of the beginning of said deposition zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1983
    Assignee: Chevron Research Company
    Inventors: Richard E. Rocheleau, Dennis F. Brestovansky, Peter J. Lutz
  • Patent number: 4325986
    Abstract: An apparatus to deposit material on a substrate, such as in the making of thin film solar cells, consists of two chambers. A manifold chamber having a plurality of spaced nozzles assures efficient and uniform deposition on a substrate. The rate of depositions is controlled by an orifice in a passageway connecting the manifold chamber to an evaporation chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1979
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1982
    Assignee: University of Delaware
    Inventors: Bill N. Baron, Richard E. Rocheleau, T. W. Fraser Russell