Patents Examined by Susan D Leong
  • Patent number: 9153763
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a thermoelectric material having a plate type layered structure where each layer has a thickness of 30 nm or less, a method for preparing the same, and a thermoelectric module using the same. According to the present invention, as for a thermoelectric material having a nanometer-sized layered structure, crystallinity of each layer is excellent, electric conductivity of electron is improved, and phonon diffraction is induced at a grain interface between layers, and thus, a thermoelectric module having excellent thermoelectric properties can be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRO-MECHANICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Dong Hyeok Choi, Sung Ho Lee, Ju Hwan Yang, Kang Heon Hur
  • Patent number: 9136412
    Abstract: A reconfigurable solar panel that provides for the repair, replacement, modification and upgrade of various solar panel components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Scuint Corporation
    Inventor: Steven B Snidow
  • Patent number: 9130102
    Abstract: Disclosed is an integrated thin-film photovoltaic module. The integrated thin-film photovoltaic module includes a first cell and a second cell, all of which are formed respectively by stacking on a substrate a lower electrode, a photoelectric conversion layer and an upper electrode, wherein the lower electrode of the first cell and the lower electrode of the second cell are separated by a lower electrode separation groove, wherein a plurality of through holes are formed to be spaced from each other in the upper electrode and the photoelectric conversion layer of the first cell, and wherein the through hole is filled with a conductive material such that the upper electrode of the second cell is connected with the lower electrode of the first cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Intellectual Discovery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seung-Yeop Myong, La-Sun Jeon
  • Patent number: 9128045
    Abstract: An easily calibrated analytical instrument for sensing a target analyte. The instrument includes an electrochemical sensor and a switch. The electrochemical sensor includes a sensing electrode and a counter electrode. The switch is a normally open switch effective for creating a short circuit between the sensing and counter electrodes when closed. A zero calibration reading can be taken when the switch is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: MOCON, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel W. Mayer
  • Patent number: 9117952
    Abstract: A front sheet of solar cell, a method of manufacturing the same and a photovoltaic module are provided. The front sheet of solar cell can effectively block infrared rays (IRs) by forming an IR blocking layer including a cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) material on a substrate. Thus, an increase in temperature of a cell can be suppressed so that the power generation efficiency of the cell can be improved. Also, the multi-layered sheet can be configured so that a UV blocking layer including a fluorine-based polymer and a wavelength conversion material can be formed on the IR blocking layer. Thus, wavelengths of a UV region can be converted into wavelengths of a VR region so that the power generation efficiency of the cell can be improved, and discoloration and deformation caused by UVs can be prevented so that the weather resistance can be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: LG CHEM, LTD.
    Inventors: Hyun Cheol Kim, Moon Soo Park, Dae Hee Lee, Yoon Kyung Kwon, Hyun Seong Ko
  • Patent number: 9117954
    Abstract: Photovoltaic and Light emitted diode devices comprise of epitaxial wafer of plurality of layers has been proposed. Quantum Dots are deposited onto the micro-nanostructure layer from the light incident direction to increasing light transmission to the active layer. Quantum dots deposited between the light source and the active layer, on the micro-nanostructure layer, to improve light excitation, since it can absorb wavelengths, which are not absorbed by the active layer, and the size and composition of quantum dots can determine its bandgap. A micro-nanostructured layer at the bottom of the PV wafer, which is produced by Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE), increases the internal light reflections in the active layer, which increases the efficiency of light absorption and that leads to a photocurrent enhancement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: European Nano Invest AB
    Inventor: Rizgar Jiawook
  • Patent number: 9118026
    Abstract: Disclosed is a device comprising: an anode; a cathode; an inorganic substrate; and at least one organic window layer positioned between: the anode and the inorganic substrate; or the cathode and the inorganic substrate. Also disclosed is a method of enhancing the performance of a photosensitive device having an anode, a cathode, and an inorganic substrate, comprising: positioning at least one organic window layer between the anode and the cathode. In one embodiment the organic window layer may absorb light and generate excitons that migrate to the inorganic where they convert to photocurrent, thereby increasing the efficiency of the device. Also disclosed is a method of enhancing Schottky barrier height of a photosensitive device, the method being substantially similar to the previously defined method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of Michigan
    Inventors: Stephen R. Forrest, Ning Li
  • Patent number: 9112080
    Abstract: Provided are novel building integrable photovoltaic (BIP) modules and methods of fabricating thereof. A module may be fabricated from an insert having one or more photovoltaic cells by electrically interconnecting and mechanically integrating one or more connectors with the insert. Each connector may have one or more conductive elements, such as metal sockets and/or pins. At least two of all conductive elements are electrically connected to the photovoltaic cells using, for example, bus bars. These and other electrical components are electrically insulated using a temperature resistant material having a Relative Temperature Index (RTI) of at least about 115° C. The insulation may be provided before or during module fabrication by, for example, providing a prefabricated insulating housing and/or injection molding the temperature resistant material. The temperature resistant material and/or other materials may be used for mechanical integration of the one or more connectors with the insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Apollo Precision (Kunming) Yuanhong Limited
    Inventors: Jason S. Corneille, Michael Meyers, Adam C. Sherman, Nazir Ahmad
  • Patent number: 9112069
    Abstract: A solar cell comprising a p-doped silicon wafer, wherein the p-doped silicon wafer comprises a light-receiving side and a back side; and an aluminum electrode formed on the back side of the silicon wafer; wherein the aluminum electrode comprises an aluminum base layer formed adjacently on the back side of the silicon wafer and an aluminum cover layer formed on the aluminum base layer, and wherein the aluminum cover layer comprises aluminum and boron oxide (B2O3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: E I DU PONT DE NEMOURS AND COMPANY
    Inventors: Takeshi Kondo, Akira Inaba
  • Patent number: 9105775
    Abstract: A multi-junction photovoltaic device includes a germanium layer having pyramidal shapes with (111) facets exposed to form a textured surface. A first p-n junction is formed on or over the textured surface. Another p-n junction is formed over the first p-n junction and following the textured surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Bahman Hekmatshoartabari, Ali Khakifirooz, Ghavam G. Shahidi, Davood Shahrjerdi
  • Patent number: 9105785
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to luminescent solar concentrators, processes for the production of the same and uses thereof. The luminescent solar concentrators comprise a composite substrate including two or more films containing luminescent compounds and wavelength-selective mirrors, which concentrators may be connected to photovoltaic cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Green-Sun Energy Ltd.
    Inventors: Eitan Shmueli, Amnon Leikovich, Renata Reisfeld
  • Patent number: 9091462
    Abstract: A solar canopy system includes support towers and an upper canopy suspended therefrom, the upper canopy forming a catenary shape. A method of generating electricity includes deploying mirrors upon a canopy that forms a catenary shape, to focus sunlight on a Dewar tube containing a heat transfer fluid, utilizing heat from the sunlight collected within the heat transfer fluid to generate steam, and generating the electricity with a turbine powered by the steam. A method of generating electricity includes deploying first and second photovoltaic cell grids upon a canopy that forms a catenary shape, the second grid being movable relative to the first grid. The method also includes positioning the second grid with respect to the first grid so as to maximize light collection and electricity generation during daylight hours, and repositioning the grids so as to maximize transparency of the canopy during nighttime hours.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: CARLORATTIASSOCIATI SRL
    Inventors: Carlo F. Ratti, James Francis Vanzo
  • Patent number: 9087642
    Abstract: A photoelectric conversion element having a laminate structure including, provided on an electrically conductive support, a photoconductor layer having a layer of dye-adsorbed semiconductor fine particles, a charge transfer layer, and a counter electrode, wherein the dye is a metal complex dye represented by the following formula (1): M1L1L2Z1??(1) wherein, in formula (1), M1 represents a metal atom; Z1 represents a monodentate ligand; L1 represents a specific tridentate ligand; and L2 represents a specific bidentate ligand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Yukio Tani, Tatsuya Susuki, Katsumi Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 9087934
    Abstract: A solar cell and a method for manufacturing the same are discussed. The solar cell includes a substrate of a first conductive type, an emitter region of a second conductive type opposite the first conductive type positioned at the substrate, a first electrode which is positioned on the substrate and is connected to the emitter region, at least one second electrode which is positioned on the substrate and is connected to the substrate, and an aluminum oxide layer positioned on a front surface and a back surface of the substrate excluding areas of the substrate on which the first electrode and the at least one second electrode are formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Daeyong Lee, Sangwook Park
  • Patent number: 9082900
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a photovoltaic module including: a first electrode formed on a substrate; a photoelectric conversion layer formed on the first electrode; a second electrode formed on the photoelectric conversion layer; and a light transmitting back substrate disposed over the second electrode. The photovoltaic module has a color within a range of a*: ?25˜0, b*: 10˜50, L*: 20˜50 in Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage (CIE) LAB color coordinate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: Intellectual Discovery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sang-Won Jeon, Nam-Kyoon Kim
  • Patent number: 9070810
    Abstract: A multi-junction solar cell having a Ge or GaAs substrate, as well as a solar cell structure having several subcells deposited on the substrate, the substrate having peripheral side faces, and the solar cell structure having a peripheral circumferential surface, which runs spaced apart from the side faces. To prevent oxidation and penetration of moisture, the circumferential surface of the solar cell structure is coated with a protective, electrically insulating first coating under essential exclusion of the upper surface facing the rays, or that without encroaching on the solar cell structure, the side faces of the substrate are coated with a protective, electrically insulating second coating or that both the side faces of the substrate as well as the circumferential surface of the solar cell structure are coated with a third coating by essential exclusion of the upper surface facing the rays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: AZUR SPACE SOLAR POWER GMBH
    Inventor: Gerhard Strobl
  • Patent number: 9065006
    Abstract: A device, method and process of fabricating an interdigitated multicell thermo-photo-voltaic component that is particularly efficient for generating electrical energy from photons in the red and near-infrared spectrum received from a heat source in the near field. Where the absorbing region is germanium, the device is capable of generating electrical energy by absorbing photon energy in the greater than 0.67 electron volt range corresponding to radiation in the infrared and near-infrared spectrum. Use of germanium semiconductor material provides a good match for converting energy from a low temperature heat source. The side that is opposite the photon receiving side of the device includes metal interconnections and dielectric material which provide an excellent back surface reflector for recycling below band photons back to the emitter. Multiple cells may be fabricated and interconnected as a monolithic large scale array for improved performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: MTPV Power Corporation
    Inventors: Paul Greiff, Jose M Borrega
  • Patent number: 9059357
    Abstract: A bifacial solar cell is discussed. The bifacial solar cell includes a substrate, a p+-type doped region positioned at a first surface of the substrate, a P-type electrode part electrically connected to the p+-type doped region, an n+-type doped region positioned at a second surface of the substrate, and an N-type electrode part electrically connected to the n+-type doped region. The P-type electrode part is formed of a first inorganic solid powder including a first powder, which contains silver (Ag) and has an average diameter of about 0.2 ?m to 1 ?m, and a second powder, which contains a group III element and has an average diameter of about 1 ?m to 5 ?m. The N-type electrode part is formed of a second inorganic solid powder including only the first powder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Sungjin Kim, Haejong Cho, Yangwoo Byun, Seongeun Lee
  • Patent number: 9054256
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a photovoltaic module. The photovoltaic module includes an optical concentrator and a tunneling-junction solar cell. The tunneling junction solar cell includes a base layer, a quantum-tunneling-barrier (QTB) layer situated above the base layer, an emitter layer, a front-side electrode, and a back-side electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: SolarCity Corporation
    Inventors: Jianming Fu, Zheng Xu, Jiunn Benjamin Heng, Chentao Yu
  • Patent number: 9048360
    Abstract: Disclosed are a solar cell, a solar cell with interconnection sheet attached, and a solar cell module wherein a surface of an electrode for first conductive type is covered with a migration suppressing layer for preventing a metal forming electrode for first conductive type from precipitating, and at least one of a surface of migration suppressing layer covering electrode for first conductive type and a surface of electrode for second conductive type is covered with an insulating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akiko Tsunemi, Yasushi Sainoo, Tomohiro Nishina