Patents Issued in August 23, 2012
  • Publication number: 20120211031
    Abstract: A discrete or single dose detergent formulation is described. The formulation comprises special copolymers A. These copolymers A comprise structural units originating from a1) one or more special monomers comprising a cyclic amide structure or a2) one or more special alkoxylated monomers and b) one or more special monomers comprising an amido group and a sulfonic acid group in protonated or in salt form and may be crosslinked or non-crosslinked. The discrete or single dose detergent formulations are particularly suited for treating table ware or glasses in automatic dishwashing machines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicants: CLARIANT S.A., BRAZIL, CLARIANT FINANCE (BVI) LIMITED
    Inventors: Matthias Loeffler, Ernesto Iwao Horikoshi, Gustavo Kume, Ana Regina Coimbra
  • Publication number: 20120211032
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for processing broken glass, to which residues of stickers adhere. According to the invention, an underlay is provided, for example, a closed drum or an open shell, having a delivery point and a discharge point for broken glass particles. In the area of the delivery point, the broken glass particles are set into motion to one another by means of movement of the underlay, whereby mutual friction of the particles occurs. A stream of broken glass particles which is freed of sticker residues travels to the discharge point. A gas stream is oriented opposite to the stream of broken glass particles, which conducts the separated residues of stickers with it, and which simultaneously dries the cleaned glass particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventors: Mathias Trojosky, Jens Hesse
  • Publication number: 20120211033
    Abstract: An endoscope processing apparatus of the invention includes: a cleaning tank which can house an endoscope; a liquid drainage port, a liquid inlet port and a discharge port which are opening portions provided to the cleaning tank; a first-liquid introducing section which introduces a first liquid into a multipurpose conduit; a second-liquid introducing section which introduces a second liquid into the multipurpose conduit; a gas-liquid mixing section which mixes a liquid in the multipurpose conduit with gas, to deliver the mixed fluid to the discharge port; a liquid-feeding section which delivers a liquid in the multipurpose conduit to the gas-liquid mixing section; and an opening/closing section which opens and closes a connection between the multipurpose conduit and the gas-liquid mixing section; and a compressor which delivers the gas to the gas-liquid mixing section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: OLYMPUS MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORP.
    Inventors: Hideto ONISHI, Daisaku NEGORO, Yoko Negoro
  • Publication number: 20120211034
    Abstract: A pump for a high-pressure cleaning appliance for delivering cleaning liquid is provided. The pump has a pump housing with at least one pump chamber into which at least one piston plunges. The pump chamber is connected via at least one inlet valve to a suction line and via at least one outlet valve to a pressure line. A bypass line leads from the pressure line to the suction line. An overflow valve is arranged in the bypass line. The valve body of the overflow valve is connected to a control element which, in dependence upon the flow rate of the cleaning liquid, displaces the valve body to a closed or an open position. A rear housing component and a front housing component of the pump housing are joined together. The bypass line opens into a suction line section of the suction line, which extends between the housing components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: Alfred Kaercher GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Robert Nathan, Juergen Erdmann
  • Publication number: 20120211035
    Abstract: A parts washer may include a reservoir including a bottom, a cleaning solution having a surface, a cleaning chamber associated with the reservoir, a dispenser assembly in the cleaning chamber, a control assembly connected to one of the reservoir and the cleaning chamber, and a circulator assembly in the reservoir. The circulator assembly may include a pump, a float connected to the pump, a bracket including a guide and an actuator, a track that constrains movement of the pump and includes a switch to define a minimum pump orientation and to deactivate the circulator assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: Safety-Kleen Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Rudy Publ, Brad Thompson
  • Publication number: 20120211036
    Abstract: A cushioning foot for a mobility aid includes an elastomeric or rubber foot configured to compress under axial and angular loading. A collar is affixed to the distal end of a shaft of the mobility aid and includes a flange for contacting and compressing the elastomeric or rubber foot under axial and angular loads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: OMHU, INC.
    Inventors: Allen Zadeh, Rie Norregaard, Clay Allen Burns
  • Publication number: 20120211037
    Abstract: Child caretaking structures having adjustable canopies and/or headrests are described. An example canopy adjustment mechanism has a track with a plurality of indentations and a canopy. The canopy has a first canopy stay connector rotatably coupled to a canopy clip. The canopy clip has a first end and a second end being at opposed ends of the c-shape and defining an opening therebetween. The canopy has a protrusion on the first end extending into the opening and toward the second end, wherein the protrusion is dimensioned to selectively engage a first of the indentations of the track to fix the canopy at a first height and is dimensioned to selectively engage a second of the indentations of the track to fix the canopy at a second height.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventors: Damon Troutman, Patrick Kelly, Maureen Fitzgerald, Raphael Avila
  • Publication number: 20120211038
    Abstract: A multimedia sunshade apparatus for shading a chair has one or more support arms that are adjustably coupled to a chair at one end and a shade at another end. The shade is configured to display one or more media messages such as advertisements on both the inner and outer surfaces of the shade. The media messages can be displayed in a variety of forms, including direct printing, a detachable substrate, or an electronic display. The multimedia sunshade can also be fit with a unique universal adapter that allows the multimedia sunshade to be easily fit to a variety of existing chairs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventors: Nasser Pirshafiey, Leigh Cross Combs
  • Publication number: 20120211039
    Abstract: A collapsible portable shelter including at least a first strut and a second strut, each strut being resiliently flexible, a panel formed of a flexible material coupled with the first strut and the second strut, and an anchoring member for anchoring the panel relative to a surface. The first strut is received along a first side of the panel and the second strut is received along a second side of the panel, the second side opposing the first side. The first strut and the second strut each has a portion extending beyond a third side of the panel. A portion of each of the first strut and second strut is to be received in the surface to resist lateral movement of said part received in the ground. The orientation of the panel with respect to the surface can be readily varied by adjusting the anchoring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventor: John Alexander Nichols
  • Publication number: 20120211040
    Abstract: The invention relates to an umbrella including a security system having a triggering device located on the contact area of the mast with the ground. The triggering device includes a slider, a slider return spring, a flexible transmission assembly connected to the head of the slider; a mechanism to inactivate the trigger, including a cam pivotally mounted on the trigger and capable of resting against the mast.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventors: Bernard Amalric, Frédéric Cannac, Jean-Paul Taillefer
  • Publication number: 20120211041
    Abstract: The rail skirt system includes a top rail, a skirt that hangs from the top rail, formed from rail bar members connected together at their inner ends by a middle connector tube connectable to a locking support leg, to provide support for the top rail on a side of a shelter. The outer ends of the rail bar members are connected to legs of the shelter by fixed corner connecting brackets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventor: Mark C. CARTER
  • Publication number: 20120211042
    Abstract: A portable ice fishing or hunting shanty is provided that has a stored mode and a deployed mode. The portable ice fishing or hunting shanty has a frame that has a mounting bar that can be inserted into a hitch receiver such as a “4 Wheeler” all terrain vehicle. When the portable ice fishing or hunting shanty is in a stored mode several panels are folded together and all of the shanty components are combined together in a self contained compact unit. When the portable ice fishing or hunting shanty is in a deployed mode the shanty has a seat for a fisherman, floor panels, and at shell enclosure. A floor panel has a hinged panel that opens to allow holes to be drilled in ice for ice fishing. The shanty can be quickly be transformed from the stored mode into the deployed mode. The shanty can be also be quickly be transformed from the deployed mode into the stored mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventor: Scott J. Richter
  • Publication number: 20120211043
    Abstract: A portable hunting blind comprises a hand-operated, spring biased clamp comprising a pair of compressible handles that open spring-biased clamping jaws. The clamping jaws have internal frictional pads for sure gripping. An elongated, bendable arm extends from one of the clamp handles. The flexible metal arm can be configured by bending as desired by a hunter to assume a desired shape. A camouflage curtain is secured to the arm, which supports it like a flag pole. When an area for deployment is reached, the clamp is affixed to an available object, such as a tree limb, to support the curtain and camouflage a limited selected area. The shape of the concealed arm an be varied by bending the arm. The curtain bottom may be secured to a convenient object to prevent movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventor: Patrick Mulligan
  • Publication number: 20120211044
    Abstract: A thermoelectric conversion module includes: a first substrate having water permeability and thermal conductivity; a thermoelectric conversion element provided on the first substrate; a heat insulator having water permeability provided around the thermoelectric conversion element on the first substrate; and a second substrate disposed on the thermoelectric conversion element and the heat insulator and having water permeability and thermal conductivity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventors: Kazuaki KURIHARA, Takuya Nishino, Takashi Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20120211045
    Abstract: Disclosed is a new thermoelectric conversion material represented by the chemical formula 1: Bi1-xCu1-yO1-zTe, where 0?x<1, 0?y<1, 0?z<1 and x+y+z>0. A thermoelectric conversion device using said thermoelectric conversion material has good energy conversion efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventors: Cheol-Hee Park, Se-Hui Sohn, Won-Jong Kwon, Seung-Tae Hong, Tae-Hoon Kim
  • Publication number: 20120211046
    Abstract: A solar cell and alternating low voltage electrical transmission system assembly having a curved solar cell panel supported on the side of an electrical transmission pole partially wrapping around the pole, and held in a spaced apart relationship by having upper and lower spacing blocks which are also held to the pole by in each case a strap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: Energy Innovations Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: David Smyth, Grant Behrendorff
  • Publication number: 20120211047
    Abstract: A method of forming a multijunction solar cell string by mounting first and second multijunction solar cells on a first side of a perforated carrier; attaching a first electrical interconnect to the contact pad of said first multijunction solar cell, the electrical interconnect extending through said perforated carrier; attaching a second electrical interconnect to the metal contact layer of said second multijunction solar cell, the electrical interconnect extending through said perforated carrier; and connecting said first electrical interconnect to said second electrical interconnect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: Emcore Solar Power, Inc.
    Inventor: Arthur Cornfeld
  • Publication number: 20120211048
    Abstract: A wet solar cell includes a substrate having a light-receiving surface, a seal portion disposed opposite to the substrate, a first electrode formed on the top surface of a side of the substrate that is opposite to the seal portion, an insulating frame disposed between the first electrode and the seal portion to surround four sides so that a space is formed inside the insulating frame, a photoelectric conversion portion formed on a top surface of the first electrode, and a second electrode formed to extend toward the seal portion from a top surface of another first electrode adjacent to the first electrode and having a top surface partially located opposite to the seal portion. In the space, a gap communicating with the portion between the insulating frame and the photoelectric conversion portion is formed between the second electrode and the seal portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventors: Norio Murofushi, Atsushi Fukui, Ryohsuke Yamanaka
  • Publication number: 20120211049
    Abstract: A semiconductor substrate comprising a first surface and a second surface, a first electrode, and a second electrode are arranged. The first electrode comprises a plurality of main electrodes located on the first surface and a plurality of first output taking parts electrically connected to the plurality of main electrodes and located on the second surface. The second electrode comprises one pair of collection parts located on the second surface to sandwich the first output taking parts and a connection part that electrically connects the one pair of collection parts to each other. The plurality of main electrodes comprise a first group located at first intervals and a second group located at second intervals. Third intervals between the first group and the second group are larger than the first and second intervals, and the connection part is located at positions corresponding to the third interval on the second surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: KYOCERA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Naoya Kobamoto, Noriyasu Kawakita
  • Publication number: 20120211050
    Abstract: Connection tabs include: a first connection tab 72 that is electrically connected to a connection electrode 62 on a rear side of the first solar battery cell 11 and extends to a rear side of the second solar battery cell 21; and a second connection tab 71 that is electrically connected to a connection electrode 52 on a light-receiving side of the second solar battery cell 21 and has a bent folded-back portion which extends to the rear side of the second solar battery cell 21 near the first solar battery cell 11 from the second solar battery cell. The first connection tab 71 and the second connection tab 72 are connected in a connection region that is within an overlapping region in which the first connection tab 72 and the second connection tab 21 overlap in a rear side of the second solar battery cell 21, and that is narrower than the overlapping region in the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 25, 2009
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Yoichiro Nishimoto
  • Publication number: 20120211051
    Abstract: An invention proposes a heat sink system for large-size photovoltaic receivers of tower-type solar power stations with application of an array of heliostats intended to concentrate solar radiation on the photovoltaic receiver. The heat sink system is designed as a two-phase thermo-siphon and it can ensure a stable temperature on all photovoltaic cells installed on the large-size receiver with very small deviations of the temperatures from one photovoltaic cell to another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventors: Alexander Levin, Hanan Levin
  • Publication number: 20120211052
    Abstract: A light energy collection device includes a glass layer having light concentrators for receiving light and for concentrating concentrated light, the light concentrators are elongated and substantially parallel manner to a first edge of the glass layer, wherein pitches of the light concentrators vary along the length generally within the range of approximately 5.5-5.8 mm, strings of multiple PV strips extending in a parallel manner to a second edge (perpendicular to the first edge) of the glass layer, wherein a string of PV strips includes: electrodes extending substantially parallel to the second edge, PV strips electrically coupled to the electrodes and extending substantially parallel to the first edge, wherein pitches of the PV strips vary along their length according to varying pitches of the light concentrators, wherein the PV strips receive concentrated light and output electrical energy in response to the concentrated light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: Solaria Corporation
    Inventors: Ajay MARATHE, Douglas R. Battaglia, JR., Frank Magana, Raghunandan Chaware
  • Publication number: 20120211053
    Abstract: An interferometric mask covering a reflective conductive ribbon that electrically interconnects a plurality of photovoltaic cells is disclosed. Such an interferometric mask may reduce reflections of incident light from the conductors. In various embodiments, the mask reduces reflections, so that a front and back electrode pattern appears black or similar in color to surrounding features of the device. In other embodiments, the mask may modulate reflections of light such that the electrode pattern matches a color in the visible spectrum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: QUALCOMM MEMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Manish Kothari, Kasra Khazeni
  • Publication number: 20120211054
    Abstract: Disclosed is a solar cell module capable of suppressing light leakage from a front plate and improving an optical confinement property. A solar cell module 1 includes a plurality of bifacial solar cell elements 2, a front plate 4 which is arranged on the front side of the solar cell elements 2, and a back plate 5 which is arranged on the back side of the solar cell elements 2 and has a light-reflecting surface 5a reflecting sunlight incident into the module from the module front side. When the refractive index of the front plate 4 is n, the inclination angle ? (radian unit) of the light-reflecting surface 5a relative to the array direction of the solar cell elements 2 is set as follows between a cell interval center line A and a cell end line C. That is, in a region X between the cell interval center line A and a near-cell line D, the relationship (?>0.5×sin ?1 (1/n) is established. In a region Y near the cell end line C, the relationship (?<0.5×sin ?1 (1/n) is established.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventor: Yoshinori Suga
  • Publication number: 20120211055
    Abstract: As the concentration of electromagnetic radiation, especially solar radiation, can be utilized for constructive purposes it becomes desirable to concentrate the radiation in an economical manner. An essentially fixed concentrating reflector whose shape is generated by gravity's effect on flexible members provides an efficient means to collect and concentrate radiation. Historically in optical science aberrations are to be avoided or eliminated, however this device utilizes the aberration of astigmatism. By taking advantage of the astigmatic foci created by obliquely incident radiation falling upon a substantially sphere-like primary, a comparatively large fixed concentrator can be constructed inexpensively. The resulting tangential and sagittal astigmatic foci are linear. The length of the astigmatic foci can be a substantial portion of the diameter of the concentrator, especially at times of lower solar elevation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventors: James Joseph Clair, Victor George Weizer
  • Publication number: 20120211056
    Abstract: A photovoltaic module is disclosed, which includes a support, a photovoltaic module, and four brackets for fastening the photovoltaic panel on the support. The ratio of the length distance to the width distance of the s centers of the brackets is same as the ratio of the length to the width of the photovoltaic panel with 3% tolerance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: Du Pont Apollo Limited
    Inventor: Chi-Po CHONG
  • Publication number: 20120211057
    Abstract: Embodiments of photovoltaic back sheet laminates, photovoltaic modules containing photovoltaic back sheet laminates, and methods for making photovoltaic back sheet laminates are provided. The photovoltaic back sheet laminate comprises a first outer laminate section comprising an inner EVA layer, an outer EVA layer, and a pigmented core layer that is disposed between the inner and outer EVA layers. The pigmented core layer has a composition different than the inner and outer EVA layers. A second outer laminate section comprises a weatherable film. A mid-layer of polymer film is disposed between the first and second outer laminate sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Yuan-Ping Robert Ting, Simon J. Porter
  • Publication number: 20120211058
    Abstract: A solar panel includes a wireless device attached to or embedded in the solar panel where the wireless device includes a wireless transceiver circuit and a memory. In one embodiment, the solar panel includes an antenna formed on the metal frame of the solar panel where the antenna is electrically connected to the wireless device to extend a communication range of the wireless device. In another embodiment, the solar panel includes an antenna formed attached to a junction box of the solar panel. The antenna can be a slot antenna or a patch antenna.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: E-LIGHTRIC, INC.
    Inventors: Yu-Chih Chen, Hsi Sheng Chen, Chang-Ming Lin
  • Publication number: 20120211059
    Abstract: The present invention is a penetrated ground mount solar racking system with a top that includes a plurality of C-shaped channels that are disposed on top of the system, a plurality of U-shaped channels that are disposed on top of the system and are attached to the C-shaped channels forming a plurality of I-beam supports and a plurality of ground screws that are attached to the I-beam supports and are inserted into a penetrable surface. The system also includes a plurality of photovoltaic modules that are removably attached to the I-beam supports that receive sunlight and convert the sunlight into electrical energy, a plurality of adjustable support bracket that includes an I-beam support clamp, a fastener and a washer and are disposed on top of the ground screws and a photovoltaic module bracket that includes an I-beam solar slider, a slider clamp portion and a fastener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventor: Paul Anthony Tomaso
  • Publication number: 20120211060
    Abstract: A thin-film solar cell module includes a plurality of solar cells including a first solar cell that is an outermost solar cell. The first electrode of the first solar cell is electrically open, and the first electrode of the first solar cell has a width smaller than widths of the first electrodes of the plurality of solar cells other than the first solar cell. By reducing a width of the outermost solar cell (that is a dead cell), the conversion efficiency of the thin-film solar cell module may be enhanced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventors: Jinhyung AHN, Sungeun LEE, Jeonghun SON
  • Publication number: 20120211061
    Abstract: Provided is an organic photovoltaic cell having a long lifetime. An organic photovoltaic cell 100 comprises a first electrode 2, a second electrode 4, an active layer 3 provided between the first electrode 2 and the second electrode 4 and capable of generating a charge by incident light, and a barrier layer that is configured to be a surface of the organic photovoltaic cell, and that includes an inorganic sealing layer 7 comprising an inorganic material, a resin layer 8 formed from a resin, and an ultraviolet absorbing layer 9 in this order from the active layer 3.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventors: Takehito Kato, Toshihiro Ohnishi
  • Publication number: 20120211062
    Abstract: A solar cell module terminal to be electrically connected to an electrode portion provided on a back face of a solar cell module for outputting an electric current generated by a solar cell to the outside. The terminal includes a terminal body, a fixing portion to be fixed to the electrode portion, and a deforming portion provided between the terminal body and the fixing portion for allowing the terminal body and the fixing portion to be movable relative to each other along an anticipated direction of displacement of the electrode portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: HOSIDEN CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masakazu Yamazaki
  • Publication number: 20120211063
    Abstract: A back contact solar cell with organic semiconductor heterojunctions is provided. The substrate is made from silicon lightly doped with a first dopant type having a first majority carrier. A second semiconductor layer is formed overlying the texturized substrate topside, made from hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) and doped with the first dopant. An antireflective coating is formed overlying the second semiconductor layer. A third semiconductor layer is formed overlying the first semiconductor substrate backside, made from intrinsic a-Si:H. First and second majority carrier type organic semiconductor layers are formed overlying the third semiconductor layer in patterns. A dielectric organic semiconductor layer is formed overlying the first majority carrier type organic semiconductor layer and the second majority carrier type organic semiconductor layer, filling the spaces in the pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventors: Jong-Jan Lee, Paul J. Schuele
  • Publication number: 20120211064
    Abstract: Semiconductor layer material, e.g., for use as an emitter material for a heterojunction solar cell, is formed as a stack made of multiple first layers and second layers alternatingly situated one on top of the other. The first layers is made of an elementary, polycrystalline semiconductor, and the second layer is made of a substoichiometric electrically insulating compound, e.g., an oxide, carbide, or nitride, of the semiconductor. The interfaces between the first layers and the second layers are irregularly structured by a temperature treatment in such a way that microcontact areas are formed between adjacent first layers, which are separated from one another by a second layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventors: Thomas Wagner, Robert Roelver
  • Publication number: 20120211065
    Abstract: An object is to provide a photoelectric conversion device in which the amount of light loss due to light absorption in a window layer is small and light efficiency is high. A photoelectric conversion device, having a p-i-n junction, in which a light-transmitting semiconductor with p-type conductivity, a first silicon semiconductor layer with i-type conductivity, and a second silicon semiconductor layer with n-type conductivity are stacked between a pair of electrodes, is formed. The light-transmitting semiconductor layer is formed using an organic compound and an inorganic compound. A high hole-transport material is used for the organic compound, and a transition metal oxide having an electron-accepting property is used for the inorganic compound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: SEMICONDUCTOR ENERGY LABORATORY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shunpei YAMAZAKI, Fumito Isaka, Jiro Nishida
  • Publication number: 20120211066
    Abstract: A photoelectric conversion device in which photoelectric conversion in a light-absorption region in a crystalline silicon substrate is efficiently performed is provided. In the photoelectric conversion device, a light-transmitting conductive film which has a high effect of passivation of defects on a silicon surface and improves the reflectance oh a back electrode side is provided between the back electrode and the crystalline silicon substrate. The light-transmitting conductive film includes an organic compound arid an inorganic compound. The organic compound includes a material having an excellent hole-transport property. The inorganic compound includes a transition metal oxide having ah electron-accepting property.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: SEMICONDUCTOR ENERGY LABORATORY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shunpei YAMAZAKI, Fumito Isaka, Jiro Nishida
  • Publication number: 20120211067
    Abstract: A photoelectric conversion device in which photoelectric conversion in a light-absorption layer is efficiently performed is provided. In the photoelectric conversion device, a light-transmitting conductive film which has a high effect of passivation of defects on a silicon surface and improves the reflectance on a back electrode side is provided between the back electrode and one of semiconductor layers for generation of an internal electric field. The light-transmitting conductive film includes an organic compound and an inorganic compound. The organic compound includes a material having an excellent hole-transport property. The inorganic compound includes a transition metal oxide having an electron-accepting property.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: SEMICONDUCTOR ENERGY LABORATORY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shunpei YAMAZAKI, Fumito Isaka, Jiro Nishida
  • Publication number: 20120211068
    Abstract: A multijunction solar cell including an upper first solar subcell, and the base-emitter junction of the upper first solar subcell being a homojunction; a second solar subcell adjacent to said first solar subcell; a third solar subcell adjacent to said second solar subcell. A first graded interlayer is provided adjacent to said third solar subcell. A fourth solar subcell is provided adjacent to said first graded interlayer, said fourth subcell is lattice mismatched with respect to said third subcell. A second graded interlayer is provided adjacent to said fourth solar subcell; and a lower fifth solar subcell is provided adjacent to said second graded interlayer, said lower fifth subcell is lattice mismatched with respect to said fourth subcell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: Emcore Solar Power, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur Cornfeld, John Spann, Pravin Patel, Mark A. Stan, Benjamin Cho, Paul R. Sharps, Daniel J. Aiken
  • Publication number: 20120211069
    Abstract: Provided are thin-film solar cells and methods of fabricating the same. The solar cell may include a substrate and a cell comprising an amorphous layer with a continuously graded hydrogen content disposed on the substrate, a n-type semiconductor, an p-type semiconductor layer, a metal electrode adjacent to the n-type semiconductor and a transparent electrode adjacent to p-type semiconductor layers. The hydrogen content of the amorphous intrinsic semiconductor layer decreases in a continuous manner from a first interface, to which a light is incident, toward a second interface opposite to the first interface, and the first and second interfaces are two opposite surfaces of the amorphous intrinsic semiconductor layer being in contact with the p-type and n-type semiconductor layers, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: ELECTRONICS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Sun Jin YUN, JungWook Lim
  • Publication number: 20120211070
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a solar cell having a multi-layered structure that is used to generate, transport, and collect electric charges. The multi-layered nanostructure comprises a cathode, a conducting metal layer, a photo-active layer, a hole-transport layer, and an anode. The photo-active layer comprises a tree-like nanostructure array and a conjugate polymer filler. The tree-like nanostructure array is used as an electron acceptor while the conjugate polymer filler is as an electron donor. The tree-like nanostructure array comprises a trunk part and a branch part. The trunk part is formed in-situ on the surface of the conducting metal layer and is used to provide a long straight transport pathway to transport electrons. The large contact area between the branch part and the conjugate polymer filler provides electron-hole separation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: National Taiwan University
    Inventors: WEI-FANG SU, CHUN-WEI CHEN, JIH-JEN WU, YUN-YUE LIN
  • Publication number: 20120211071
    Abstract: A multijunction solar cell including an upper first solar subcell having a first band gap; a second solar subcell adjacent to the first solar subcell and having a second band gap smaller than the first band gap; a graded interlayer adjacent to the second solar subcell, the first graded interlayer having a third band gap greater than the second band gap; and a third solar subcell adjacent to the graded interlayer, the third subcell having a fourth band gap smaller than the second band gap such that the third subcell is lattice mismatched with respect to the second subcell. A lower fourth solar subcell is provided adjacent to the third subcell and lattice matched thereto, the lower fourth subcell having a fifth band gap smaller than the fourth band gap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: Emcore Solar Power, Inc.
    Inventors: Fred Newman, Benjamin Cho, Mark A. Stan, Paul Sharps
  • Publication number: 20120211072
    Abstract: Example embodiments of a solar cell including a semiconductor substrate, an N emitter layer formed on a light-absorbing surface of the semiconductor substrate, a p+ region formed on the light-absorbing surface of the semiconductor substrate, a first electrode electrically connected to the p+ region, a second electrode separately formed from the first electrode on the light-absorbing surface of the semiconductor substrate and electrically connected to the N emitter layer, and an auxiliary layer inducing an N+ back surface field (BSF) on the opposite surface to the light-absorbing surface of the semiconductor substrate, and a method of manufacturing the solar cell are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Deok-Kee Kim, Yun Gi Kim, Dongkyun Kim, Young Moon Choi, Eun Cheol Do
  • Publication number: 20120211073
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a solar cell includes steps of: forming an amorphous carbon layer, an AlN layer and a first n-type nitride semiconductor layer on the surface of the graphite substrate, forming a mask layer with a plurality of openings on the first n-type nitride semiconductor layer; forming a plurality of second n-type nitride semiconductor layers on the portions of the first n-type nitride semiconductor layer which are exposed by the plurality of openings; forming a plurality of light absorption layers on the plurality of second n-type nitride semiconductor layers; forming a plurality of p-side nitride semiconductor layers on the plurality of the light absorption layers; forming a p-side electrode; and forming an n-side electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Nobuaki NAGAO, Takahiro HAMADA, Akio MATSUSHITA
  • Publication number: 20120211074
    Abstract: CIGS absorber layers fabricated using coated semiconducting nanoparticles and/or quantum dots are disclosed. Core nanoparticles and/or quantum dots containing one or more elements from group 13 and/or IIIA and/or VIA may be coated with one or more layers containing elements group IB, IIIA or VIA. Using nanoparticles with a defined surface area, a layer thickness could be tuned to give the proper stoichiometric ratio, and/or crystal phase, and/or size, and/or shape. The coated nanoparticles could then be placed in a dispersant for use as an ink, paste, or paint. By appropriate coating of the core nanoparticles, the resulting coated nanoparticles can have the desired elements intermixed within the size scale of the nanoparticie, while the phase can be controlled by tuning the stochiomctiy, and the stoichiometry of the coated nanoparticle may be tuned by controlling the thickness of the coating(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventors: Brian M. Sager, Dong Yu, Matthew R. Robinson
  • Publication number: 20120211075
    Abstract: Provided is an organic photoelectric cell having excellent electrical characteristics. An organic photovoltaic cell (10) comprises: a pair of electrodes of a first electrode (32) and a second electrode (34); and an active layer (40) placed between the pair of electrodes, in which either one of the pair of electrodes comprises an alkali metal salt or an alkaline earth metal salt, and a conductive material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventors: Takahiro Seike, Toshihiro Ohnishi
  • Publication number: 20120211076
    Abstract: Disclosed is a solar cell wherein generation of internal stress is reduced, thereby reducing crystal defects and recombination loss. Specifically disclosed is a solar cell having an antireflective film and an external lead-out electrode on the light-receiving side of a semiconductor substrate that is provided with a p-n junction, while comprising an electrode layer on the non-light-receiving side of the semiconductor substrate. The solar cell is characterized in that the electrode layer is in the form of a solid layer and has a thickness of not more than 5 ?m. It is preferable that the electrode layer has a sheet resistance of not more than 1×10?4 ?/?.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventor: Kaoru Okaniwa
  • Publication number: 20120211077
    Abstract: A dye-sensitized solar cell including: a first substrate and a second substrate positioned to face each other; a first electrode layer on the first substrate and comprising a light absorption layer; a second electrode layer on the second substrate to face the first electrode layer and comprising a catalyst layer; an electrolyte between the first substrate and the second substrate; a first reflection layer on one surface of the second substrate; and a phosphor layer on one surface of the second electrode layer, the first reflection layer, or the second substrate, wherein the first reflection layer has a photonic crystal structure in which a plurality of dielectric substances having different refractive indexes are alternately arranged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventors: Byong-Cheol Shin, Ji-Won Lee, Young-Rag Do
  • Publication number: 20120211078
    Abstract: Provided is an organic photovoltaic cell having a long lifetime. An organic photovoltaic cell 100 comprises a first electrode 2, an active layer 3 capable of generating a charge by incident light, a second electrode 4, and a barrier layer 6 in this order. The barrier layer 6 comprises an inorganic layer 7 comprising an inorganic material and an organic layer 8 comprising an organic material. One or both of the inorganic layer 7 and the organic layer 8 have a function of blocking ultraviolet light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: Sumitomo Chemical Company, Limited
    Inventors: Takehito Kato, Toshihiro Ohnishi
  • Publication number: 20120211079
    Abstract: A method of forming a photovoltaic device that includes providing an absorption layer of a first crystalline semiconductor material having a first conductivity type, and epitaxially growing a second crystalline semiconductor layer of a second conductivity type that is opposite the first conductivity type. The first conductivity type may be p-type and the second conductivity type may be n-type, or the first conductivity type may be n-type and the second conductivity type may be p-type. The temperature of the epitaxially growing the second crystalline semiconductor layer does not exceed 500° C. Contacts are formed in electrical communication with the absorption layer and the second crystalline semiconductor layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Bahman Hekmatshoar-Tabari, Devendra K. Sadana, Ghavam G. Shahidi, Davood Shahrjerdi
  • Publication number: 20120211080
    Abstract: To provide a curable resin composition for forming a seal part, which is capable of easily forming a continuous seal part and which is capable of maintaining the shape of the seal part during a period of from immediately after the formation of an uncured seal part until a liquid material is supplied to a region enclosed by the seal part and the seal part is cured, and a laminate which has minimal defects and whereby a resin layer interposed between first and second plates can be made thick. One having a viscosity of from 500 to 3,000 Pa·s at 25° C. is used as the curable resin composition for forming a seal part to form an uncured seal part 12 enclosing the periphery of a liquid material (curable resin composition 14 for forming a resin layer) interposed between a first plate (display device 50) and a second plate (transparent plate 10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: Asahi Glass Company, Limited
    Inventors: Satoshi NIIYAMA, Hiroshige ITO, Naoko AOKI, Yoshinobu KADOWAKI, Yukio TSUGE