Patents Assigned to Solyndra, Inc.
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Publication number: 20110318862Abstract: Methods for forming a patterned layer from common layer in a photovoltaic application are provided. The patterned layer is configured to form one or more portions of one or more solar cells on a rigid substrate. A first pass is made with a first laser beam over an area on the common layer. A second pass is made with a second laser beam over approximately the same area on the common layer. The first pass provides a first level of electrical isolation between a first portion and a second portion of the common layer. The second pass provides a second level of electrical isolation between the first portion and the second portion of the common layer. The second level of electrical isolation is greater than the first level of electrical isolation.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2010Publication date: December 29, 2011Applicant: SOLYNDRA, INC.Inventors: Erel Milshtein, Benyamin Buller
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Publication number: 20110168230Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus for electrically connecting a plurality of photovoltaic modules in a solar panel includes a first electrically conductive line engageable with and capable of electrically connecting a plurality of first output contacts of the photovoltaic modules along a common axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2011Publication date: July 14, 2011Applicant: SOLYNDRA, INC.Inventors: Benyamin Buller, Tim Leong
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Patent number: 7963813Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus for electrically connecting a plurality of photovoltaic modules in a solar panel includes a first electrically conductive line engageable with and capable of electrically connecting a plurality of first output contacts of the photovoltaic modules along a common axis.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2007Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Assignee: Solyndra, Inc.Inventors: Benyamin Buller, Tim Leong
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Publication number: 20110132170Abstract: A scribing system comprising a mounting mechanism, stylus, and force generating mechanism is provided. The mounting mechanism is configured to rotate an elongated object in such a manner that the object is subjected to a bow effect wherein a middle portion of the object bends relative to the end portions of the object. The stylus is for scribing the object at a position x along the long dimension of the object while the mounting mechanism rotates the object. The force generating mechanism is connected to the stylus so that the stylus applies the same constant force to the elongated object regardless of the position x along the long dimension of the object that the stylus is positioned, while the mounting mechanism rotates the object and thereby subjects the object to the bow effect, thereby scribing the object.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2011Publication date: June 9, 2011Applicant: SOLYNDRA INC.Inventors: Alex Shenderovich, Boris Djurovic, Daniel Liu, Wen Chang, Benyamin Butler, Erel Milshtein
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Publication number: 20110045674Abstract: In manufacturing a semiconductor device, a first chamber is provided. An opening couples the first chamber to a first environment through which at least one substrate can pass. A first seal environmentally isolates the first chamber from the first environment. A process chamber is coupled to the first chamber. Another seal environmental isolates the first and the process chambers. The substrate is placed within the first chamber, and the first chamber and the outside environment are isolated. The second opening is opened, and the substrate moves into the semiconductor process chamber. The first chamber is again environmentally isolated from the second volume. A semiconductor processing step is performed on the substrate within the processing chamber. While the substrate is processed, the substrate is rotated and translated through the processing chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2010Publication date: February 24, 2011Applicant: SOLYNDRA INC.Inventor: Ratson Morad
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Patent number: 7877881Abstract: A scribing system comprising a mounting mechanism, stylus, and force generating mechanism is provided. The mounting mechanism is configured to rotate an elongated object in such a manner that the object is subjected to a bow effect wherein a middle portion of the object bends relative to the end portions of the object. The stylus is for scribing the object at a position x along the long dimension of the object while the mounting mechanism rotates the object. The force generating mechanism is connected to the stylus so that the stylus applies the same constant force to the elongated object regardless of the position x along the long dimension of the object that the stylus is positioned, while the mounting mechanism rotates the object and thereby subjects the object to the bow effect, thereby scribing the object.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2010Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Solyndra, Inc.Inventors: Alex Shenderovich, Boris Djurovic, Daniel Liu, Wen Chang, Benyamin Butler, Erel Milshtein
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Patent number: 7879685Abstract: Methods for forming a patterned layer from common layer in a photovoltaic application are provided. The patterned layer is configured to form one or more portions of one or more solar cells on a rigid substrate. A first pass is made with a first laser beam over an area on the common layer. A second pass is made with a second laser beam over approximately the same area on the common layer. The first pass provides a first level of electrical isolation between a first portion and a second portion of the common layer. The second pass provides a second level of electrical isolation between the first portion and the second portion of the common layer. The second level of electrical isolation is greater than the first level of electrical isolation.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2007Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Solyndra, Inc.Inventors: Erel Milshtein, Benyamin Buller
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Publication number: 20110000601Abstract: An assembly for producing photovoltaic electricity has an outer assembly having at least one portion transparent to light energy. The outer assembly defines an inner volume. The outer assembly can be made of a first structural member having an opening to an external environment, where the opening is defined by at least one edge. The outer assembly also has a second structural member with a recess that corresponds to the edge at the opening. In this manner the edge of the first structural member conjoins with the corresponding recess of the second structural member, and the edge is conjoined to the corresponding recess with a seal. One or more photovoltaic devices are disposed within the inner assembly volume. Each such photovoltaic device is operable to receive the light and produce photovoltaic electricity in response to it.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2010Publication date: January 6, 2011Applicant: SOLYNDRA, INC.Inventor: Brian Cumpston
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Publication number: 20110000539Abstract: Systems and materials to improve photovoltaic cell efficiency by implementing a self-cleaning function on photovoltaic cells and on albedo surfaces associated with photovoltaic cell assemblies are provided. Materials for protecting albedo surfaces that surround photovoltaic cell assemblies, thereby maximizing energy input into the photovoltaic cell assemblies, are provided. Materials for self-cleaning photovoltaic cell panels, thereby maintaining their efficiency, are provided. Portable albedo collecting devices associated with photovoltaic cell assemblies are provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2010Publication date: January 6, 2011Applicant: SOLYNDRA, INC.Inventors: Chris M. Gronet, James K. Truman
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Publication number: 20100326495Abstract: Systems and materials to improve photovoltaic cell efficiency by implementing a self-cleaning function on photovoltaic cells and on albedo surfaces associated with photovoltaic cell assemblies are provided. Materials for protecting albedo surfaces that surround photovoltaic cell assemblies, thereby maximizing energy input into the photovoltaic cell assemblies, are provided. Materials for self-cleaning photovoltaic cell panels, thereby maintaining their efficiency, are provided. Portable albedo collecting devices associated with photovoltaic cell assemblies are provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2010Publication date: December 30, 2010Applicant: SOLYNDRA, INC.Inventors: Chris M. Gronet, James K. Truman
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Patent number: 7855156Abstract: In manufacturing a semiconductor device, a first chamber is provided. An opening couples the first chamber to a first environment through which at least one substrate can pass. A first seal environmentally isolates the first chamber from the first environment. A process chamber is coupled to the first chamber. Another seal environmental isolates the first and the process chambers. The substrate is placed within the first chamber, and the first chamber and the outside environment are isolated. The second opening is opened, and the substrate moves into the semiconductor process chamber. The first chamber is again environmentally isolated from the second volume. A semiconductor processing step is performed on the substrate within the processing chamber. While the substrate is processed, the substrate is rotated and translated through the processing chamber.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2007Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Assignee: Solyndra, Inc.Inventor: Ratson Morad
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Publication number: 20100255628Abstract: Methods for forming photovoltaic modules, and the photovoltaic modules produced by such methods are provided. A back-electrode layer is disposed on an elongated substrate. A first patterning is performed on the back-electrode layer using a laser scriber or a mechanical scriber. A semiconductor junction layer is disposed on top of the back-electrode layer. A second patterning is performed on the semiconductor junction layer using a mechanical scriber. A transparent conductor layer is disposed on top of the semiconductor junction layer. A third patterning is performed on the transparent conductor layer using a mechanical scriber thereby forming at least a first solar cell and a second solar cell, where the first solar cell and the second solar cell each comprise an isolated portion of the back-electrode layer, the semiconductor junction layer, and the transparent conductor layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2010Publication date: October 7, 2010Applicant: SOLYNDRA INC.Inventors: Erel Milshtein, Benyamin Buller
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Publication number: 20100252090Abstract: Methods for forming photovoltaic modules, and the photovoltaic modules produced by such methods are provided. A back-electrode layer is disposed on an elongated substrate. A first patterning is performed on the back-electrode layer using a laser scriber or a mechanical scriber. A semiconductor junction layer is disposed on top of the back-electrode layer. A second patterning is performed on the semiconductor junction layer using a mechanical scriber. A transparent conductor layer is disposed on top of the semiconductor junction layer. A third patterning is performed on the transparent conductor layer using a mechanical scriber thereby forming at least a first solar cell and a second solar cell, where the first solar cell and the second solar cell each comprise an isolated portion of the back-electrode layer, the semiconductor junction layer, and the transparent conductor layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2010Publication date: October 7, 2010Applicant: SOLYNDRA INC.Inventors: Erel Milshtein, Benyamin Buller
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Publication number: 20100180746Abstract: A scribing system comprising a mounting mechanism, stylus, and force generating mechanism is provided. The mounting mechanism is configured to rotate an elongated object in such a manner that the object is subjected to a bow effect wherein a middle portion of the object bends relative to the end portions of the object. The stylus is for scribing the object at a position x along the long dimension of the object while the mounting mechanism rotates the object. The force generating mechanism is connected to the stylus so that the stylus applies the same constant force to the elongated object regardless of the position x along the long dimension of the object that the stylus is positioned, while the mounting mechanism rotates the object and thereby subjects the object to the bow effect, thereby scribing the object.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2010Publication date: July 22, 2010Applicant: SOLYNDRA INC.Inventors: Alex Shenderovich, Boris Djurovic, Daniel Liu, Wen Chang, Benyamin Butler, Erel Milshtein
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Patent number: 7707732Abstract: A scribing system comprising a mounting mechanism, stylus, and force generating mechanism is provided. The mounting mechanism is configured to rotate an elongated object in such a manner that the object is subjected to a bow effect wherein a middle portion of the object bends relative to the end portions of the object. The stylus is for scribing the object at a position x along the long dimension of the object while the mounting mechanism rotates the object. The force generating mechanism is connected to the stylus so that the stylus applies the same constant force to the elongated object regardless of the position x along the long dimension of the object that the stylus is positioned, while the mounting mechanism rotates the object and thereby subjects the object to the bow effect, thereby scribing the object.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2008Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Assignee: Solyndra, Inc.Inventors: Alex Shenderovich, Boris Djurovic, Daniel Liu, Wen Chang, Benyamin Buller, Erel Milshtein
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Publication number: 20100081289Abstract: A carrier for effectuating semiconductor processing on a non-planar substrate is disclosed. The carrier is configured for holding at least one non-planar substrate throughout a semiconductor processing step and concurrently rotating non-planar substrates as they travel down a translational path of a processing chamber. As the non-planar substrates simultaneously rotate and translate down a processing chamber, the rotation exposes the whole or any desired portion of the surface area of the non-planar substrates to the deposition process, allowing for uniform deposition as desired. Alternatively, any predetermined pattern is able to be exposed on the surface of the non-planar substrates. Such a carrier effectuates manufacture of non-planar semiconductor devices, including, but not limited to, non-planar light emitting diodes, non-planar photovoltaic cells, and the like.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2009Publication date: April 1, 2010Applicant: SOLYNDRA, INC.Inventors: Dan Marohl, Timothy J. Franklin, Ratson Morad
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Publication number: 20090255471Abstract: A method of depositing materials on a non-planar surface is disclosed. The method is effectuated by rotating non-planar substrates as they travel down a translational path of a processing chamber. As the non-planar substrates simultaneously rotate and translate down a processing chamber, the rotation exposes the whole or any desired portion of the surface area of the non-planar substrates to the deposition process, allowing for uniform deposition as desired. Alternatively, any predetermined pattern is able to be exposed on the surface of the non-planar substrates. Such a method effectuates manufacture of non-planar semiconductor devices, including, but not limited to, non-planar light emitting diodes, non-planar photovoltaic cells, and the like.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2009Publication date: October 15, 2009Applicant: Solyndra, Inc.Inventor: Ratson Morad
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Patent number: 7563725Abstract: A method of depositing materials on a non-planar surface is disclosed. The method is effectuated by rotating non-planar substrates as they travel down a translational path of a processing chamber. As the non-planar substrates simultaneously rotate and translate down a processing chamber, the rotation exposes the whole or any desired portion of the surface area of the non-planar substrates to the deposition process, allowing for uniform deposition as desired. Alternatively, any predetermined pattern is able to be exposed on the surface of the non-planar substrates. Such a method effectuates manufacture of non-planar semiconductor devices, including, but not limited to, non-planar light emitting diodes, non-planar photovoltaic cells, and the like.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2007Date of Patent: July 21, 2009Assignee: Solyndra, Inc.Inventor: Ratson Morad
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Publication number: 20090178701Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus for producing electric energy from light energy includes an elongated photovoltaic module (EPM) and a cover engageable therewith. The EPM includes at least one electrical output contact and the cover includes at least one electrical connector operable to electrically engage at least one electrical output contact(s). The cover sealingly engages the EPM around at least one of its electrical output contact(s).Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2008Publication date: July 16, 2009Applicant: Solyndra, Inc.Inventors: Andrew Nagengast, Thomas Brezoczky
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Publication number: 20090114268Abstract: A solar assembly apparatus is provided that comprises one or more photovoltaic modules, a first end rail to which the first ends of the one or more photovoltaic modules are fixed and a first stiffening member to which the first end rail is attached. In some instances, the one or more photovoltaic modules are a plurality of electrically-interconnected elongated photovoltaic modules forming an array and each elongated photovoltaic module in the plurality of elongated photovoltaic modules is elongated along an axis and has a first end and a second end that are axially opposite each other. Furthermore, in such instances, each elongated photovoltaic module in the plurality of elongated photovoltaic modules has photovoltaic surface portions facing away from the axis in different directions to receive light to generate electricity.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2007Publication date: May 7, 2009Applicant: Solyndra, Inc.Inventors: Benyamin Buller, Thomas Paul Frangesh