Abstract: A unit to support and transport a print substrate (12) for a plant (11) for depositing print tracks made of conductive or non-conductive material, said print substrate (12) being provided with holes (57) that extend between a first surface (55) and a second surface (56) thereof. Said support unit comprises a first fluid-dynamic circuit (32) suitable to generate a first suction condition to keep the substrate (12) adherent to a support surface (113) of the support unit, and a second fluid-dynamic circuit (33), distinct and at least partly independent from the first fluid-dynamic circuit (32), suitable to generate a second controlled suction condition able to allow the controlled filling of the holes (57) with the conductive or non-conductive material.

Abstract: An automatic store and a method for storing plates of electronic circuits comprising a feed belt that feeds the plates of electronic circuits along a first plane (F); collection boxes positioned along at least one side of the feed belt and in which the plates of electronic circuits fed by the feed belt are grouped together according to quality classes; and one or more clearing stations disposed in cooperation with the feed belt in order to position the plates of electronic circuits in the respective collection boxes. The store comprises at least two rows of collection boxes disposed along at least one side of the feed belt, and a movement unit associated with the collection boxes to discharge the filled collection boxes and to position new collection boxes to be filled.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an apparatus used for simulating spectrum of solar radiation and testing a photovoltaic device using the simulated spectrum of solar radiation. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a light-source device configured to reproducing spectrum of solar radiation, the light-source device comprising a radiation plate divided into a plurality of cells, and each of the cells comprises a plurality of light-emitting diodes emitting at least two different wavelengths, and a substrate support disposed opposite to the light-source device. In one example, the plurality of light-emitting diodes emit a wavelength that is selected from the group consisting of colors blue, green, yellow, red, a first and a second color in infrared having different wavelengths with respect to each other.

Abstract: A method for the production and control of plates for electronics comprising a first step in which a plate is positioned, by positioning means, in a loading station; a second step in which the plate is disposed in a deposition station associated with a unit for depositing metal or other material; a third step in which the plate is disposed in an exit station and a detection means is activated to detect the presence of defects in the plate; and a fourth step in which the plate is discharged from the exit station. In the first step, the detection means is activated to identify defects in the plate disposed in the loading station. In the second step, the deposition unit is activated in order to deposit the metal on the plate when in the first step the detection means has not detected any defect in the plate.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to methods of printing MWT solar cells. The methods include positioning the non-light-receiving side of a solar cell substrate on a support. The solar cell substrate has a plurality of holes formed therethrough. The plurality of holes are then metalized. Metalizing the holes includes applying a first silver-containing paste within the holes, or depositing the first silver-containing paste on the interior surface of the holes. The first silver-containing paste is in electrical communication with the front surface and the back surface of the substrate. Then, a plurality of collection fingers are formed on the front surface of the substrate using a second silver-containing paste. The substrate may then be flipped, and one or more printing processes may be performed on the non-light-receiving side of the substrate.

Abstract: A method for the production and control of plates for electronics comprising a first step in which a plate is positioned, by means of positioning means, in a loading station; a second step in which the plate is disposed in a deposition station associated with a unit for depositing metal, or other material, in which the metal is deposited on the plate, in order to generate on the plates metal tracks, according to a pre-determined and desired topological disposition; a third step in which the plate is disposed in an exit station and a detection means is activated so as to detect the presence of defects in the plate; and a fourth step in which the plate is discharged from the exit station. In the first step the detection means is activated to identify defects in the plate disposed in the loading station. In the second step the deposition unit is activated in order to deposit the metal on the plate when in the first step the detection means has not detected any defect in the plate.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide a solar cell formation process that includes the formation of metal contacts over heavily doped regions that are formed in a desired pattern on a surface of a substrate. Embodiments of the invention also provide an inspection system and supporting hardware that is used to reliably position a similarly shaped, or patterned, metal contact structure on the patterned heavily doped regions to allow an Ohmic contact to be made. The metal contact structure, such as fingers and busbars, are formed on the heavily doped regions so that a high quality electrical connection can be formed between these two regions.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a transport unit for transporting a print support, or substrate, through a plant that deposits print tracks on a surface of the print support. The plant has at least one print station having at least one print head to deposit the print track onto the print support according to a predetermined pattern. The transport unit comprises a transport element having a transport surface facing, during use, toward the print head and on which the print support is disposed during processing. The transport surface comprises a portion covered with an adhesive surface layer upon which the print support is positioned.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention also generally provide a solar cell formation process that includes the formation of metal contacts over heavly doped regions that are formed in a desired pattern on a surface of a substrate. Embodiments of the invention also provide an inspection system and supporting hardware that is used to reliably position a similarly shaped, or patterned, metal contact structure on the patterned heavily doped regions to allow an Ohmic contact to be made. The metal contact structure, such as fingers and busbars, are formed on the heavily doped regions so that a high quality electrical connection can be formed between these two regions.

Abstract: A positioning device to position one or more plates of electronic circuits with respect to an operating unit. The device comprises a rotary member which rotates selectively between a first operating position and a second operating position, and a positioning member mounted on the rotary member. The positioning member comprises a frame, which is mounted removably on the rotary member, and a strip of transpirant material on which each plate is rested. The strip is wound between a pair of winding/unwinding rollers, pivoted on the frame. The positioning member also comprises heating means able to heat the wafer to take it to a determinate operating temperature.

Abstract: An alignment device to align a plate for electronic circuits comprises transport members able to transport the plate along a transport axis, at least from an entrance position to an alignment position defining an alignment plane. The device also comprises mobile members provided with: first movement members able to move the mobile members in a first direction directed along a first axis substantially perpendicular to the alignment plane so as to associate the mobile members with the plate; second movement members able to rotate the plate, associated with the mobile members, around the first axis; and at least third movement members able to move the plate, associated with the mobile members, in a second direction, directed along a second axis substantially transverse to the first axis and substantially co-planar with the transport axis.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally provide a cluster tool 10 that can be used to form electronic circuits on a substrate in an automated fashion. In one embodiment, the cluster tool 10 is adapted to process portions of a substrate to form part of a photovoltaic cell or a green-tape type circuit device in an automated fashion using a system controller 101. In one embodiment, the cluster tool 10 having plurality of work stations that comprise at least one station to deposit a layer on a substrate, a drying oven to dry the substrates, a testing station to test the substrates, and a storage station to store the substrates, and a transport element that is positionable in each of the work stations. A guide defines a substantially closed circuit along which a plurality of transport elements are able to be moved, on each of which at least one of the substrates is disposed.