Patents Examined by Susan D Leong
  • Steam generation apparatus
    Patent number: 9048384
    Abstract: A steam generation apparatus 1 including a high-temperature pipe 10 disposed extending horizontally and through which a high-temperature fluid passes; low-temperature pipes 20 disposed on both sides of the high-temperature pipe 10 in a horizontal direction and through which a low-temperature fluid having a temperature lower than that of the high-temperature fluid passes; and a thermoelectric module 30 interposed between the high-temperature pipe 10 and each of the low-temperature pipes 20 for generating electrical power using a temperature difference between the high-temperature pipe 10 and the low-temperature pipes 20, the low-temperature pipes 20 being configured such that the supplied low-temperature fluid in a liquid form is turned into steam due to heat exchange with the high-temperature fluid and is discharged from an upper portion of the low-temperature pipes 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Sasakura Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toru Kannari, Yoshiaki Miho
  • Control of electrolyte composition in a copper electroplating apparatus
    Patent number: 9045841
    Abstract: In a copper electroplating apparatus having separate anolyte and catholyte portions, the concentration of anolyte components (e.g., acid or copper salt) is controlled by providing a diluent to the recirculating anolyte. The dosing of the diluent can be controlled by the user and can follow a pre-determined schedule. For example, the schedule may specify the diluent dosing parameters, so as to prevent precipitation of copper salt in the anolyte. Thus, precipitation-induced anode passivation can be minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Novellus Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan Buckalew, Jonathan Reid, John Sukamto, Zhian He, Seshasayee Varadarajan, Steven T. Mayer
  • Solar cell module
    Patent number: 9040813
    Abstract: A solar cell module includes a plurality of solar cells each comprising a substrate, an emitter region placed at the substrate, and an anti-reflection region placed on the emitter region. The anti-reflection region includes a first opening region through which part of the emitter region is exposed and one or more second opening regions through which part of the emitter region is exposed. A first electrode is connected to the exposed emitter region of the first opening region through the anti-reflection region by metal plating and a first bus bar is connected to the exposed emitter region of one or more second opening regions through the anti-reflection region by metal plating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Jongdae Kim, Kisu Kim
  • Thin-film solar cell and method of fabricating thin-film solar cell
    Patent number: 9040815
    Abstract: A thin-film solar cell includes a cell having a transparent electrode layer, a photoelectric conversion layer, and a back electrode layer stacked on a transparent insulation substrate. A plurality of cells are connected in series to constitute a cell string. A bus bar is arranged on the back electrode layer of an end cell constituting the cell string. The thin-film solar cell has a photoelectric conversion layer on a series-connection direction end of the transparent electrode layer. In plan view, a series-connection direction end of the back electrode layer at an end of the cell string and the series-connection direction end of the transparent electrode layer at the end of the cell string do not overlap, while the bus bar and the transparent electrode layer at the end cell constituting the cell string overlap at least partially. A method of fabricating the thin-film solar cell is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tohru Takeda, Kazuhito Nishimura
  • Crack resistant solar cell modules
    Patent number: 9035172
    Abstract: A crack resistant solar cell module includes a protective package mounted on a frame. The protective package includes a polyolefin encapsulant that protectively encapsulates solar cells. The polyolefin has less than five weight percent of oxygen and nitrogen in the backbone or side chain. In other words, the combined weight percent of oxygen and nitrogen in any location in the molecular structure of the polyolefin is less than five. The polyolefin also has a complex viscosity less than 10,000 Pa second at 90° C. as measured by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) before any thermal processing of the polyolefin. The protective package includes a top cover, the encapsulant, and a backsheet. The solar cell module allows for shipping, installation, and maintenance with less risk of developing cracks on the surfaces of the solar cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: SunPower Corporation
    Inventors: Sung Dug Kim, Nicholas Boitnott
  • Method for connecting solar cells
    Patent number: 9029689
    Abstract: A method of connecting two solar cells is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises gripping an interconnect with a head of positioning device, heating the interconnect with the head of the positioning device to between two predetermined temperatures, where one is higher than the other, positioning the interconnect so as to overlay two adjacent solar cells, coupling the interconnect to each of the two adjacent solar cells, and releasing the interconnect from the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: SunPower Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas Phu, Shashwat Kumaria, Briccio deLeon
  • Radiation-collecting device
    Patent number: 9029682
    Abstract: A radiation-collecting device includes at least one radiation-collecting element and a scattering layer placed, in relation to the element, on that side on which the radiation is incident on the device. The scattering layer has a transparent fibrous structure and a transparent medium for encapsulating the fibers of the fibrous structure, the absolute value of the difference between the refractive index of the fibers of the fibrous structure and the refractive index of the encapsulating medium being equal to or greater than 0.05.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignees: Saint-Gobain Adfors, Saint-Gobain Glass France
    Inventors: Arnaud Verger, Samuel Solarski, Emmanuel Valentin, Didier Jousse
  • Hybrid solar receiver and concentrating solar system comprising the same
    Patent number: 9029684
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a hybrid solar receiver that generates electricity and heat simultaneously. The solar receiver comprises photovoltaic cells for converting concentrated light on the cells into electricity. The receiver also includes a heat pipe having a heat discharge area that serves as an evaporator for discharging heat accumulated on the photovoltaic cells to a dissipation area. A dual-function interface layer is positioned between the photovoltaic cells and the heat pipe. The interface layer electrically insulates the photovoltaic cells from the heat pipe and instantaneously transfer the heat accumulated on photovoltaic cells to liquid coolant in the heat pipe. A surface of the photovoltaic cells is coated with an encapsulation layer. A transparent plate is deposited on the encapsulation layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Commissariat à l'Énergie Atomique et aux Énergies Alternatives
    Inventors: Qinglong Lin, André Manificat
  • Solar cell and manufacturing method thereof
    Patent number: 9018520
    Abstract: Disclosed is a solar cell having a silicon monocrystal substrate surface with a textured structure and, near the surface of said substrate, a damage layer reflecting the slice processing history from the time of manufacture of the silicon monocrystal substrate. The damage layer near the surface of the silicon monocrystal substrate is derived from the slice processing history at the time of manufacture of the substrate and functions as a gettering site, contributing to a longer lifetime of the substrate minority carriers. Thanks to this effect, the solar cell characteristics are dramatically increased. Further, new damage need be inflicted, and no additional work is required because damage from the slicing is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shun Moriyama, Takenori Watabe, Takashi Murakami, Shintarou Tsukigata, Mitsuhito Takahashi, Hiroyuki Otsuka
  • Solar module arrays and diode cable
    Patent number: 9018518
    Abstract: Solar module arrays are described, including a solar module for photovoltaic energy generation, a connection housing connected to the solar module for connecting the solar module to an electric load, and a free-wheeling diode connected antiparallel to the solar module. A diode cable is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Glass France
    Inventor: Jan Boris Philipp
  • Spring-loaded heat exchanger fins
    Patent number: 9018511
    Abstract: A heat exchanger includes a first plate and a second plate connected to the first plate to define a duct between the first plate and the second plate. At least one elastic cooling fin is disposed inside the duct between the first plate and the second plate. The at least one elastic fin exerts a load on the first plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Space Systems International, Inc.
    Inventors: David G. Converse, Thomas J. Stapleton
  • Conductive polymer/fullerene blend thin films with honeycomb framework for transparent photovoltaic application
    Patent number: 9012770
    Abstract: Optoelectronic devices and thin-film semiconductor compositions and methods for making same are disclosed. The methods provide for the synthesis of the disclosed composition. The thin-film semiconductor compositions disclosed herein have a unique configuration that exhibits efficient photo-induced charge transfer and high transparency to visible light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Brookhaven Science Associates, LLC
    Inventors: Mircea Cotlet, Hsing-Lin Wang, Hsinhan Tsai, Zhihua Xu
  • Photoelectric conversion device
    Patent number: 9012769
    Abstract: Provided is a photoelectric conversion device characterized by a lattice-shaped current-collection metal electrode and a depressed portion provided in opening regions of a lattice structured by the lattice-shaped current collection electrode. This structure results in the reduction in the area of a heterojunction containing a highly-doped semiconductor layer, which decreases the influence of carrier recombination promoted by the high concentration of an impurity and leads to the improved electric characteristic of the photoelectric conversion device. The lattice shape of the current collection electrode also makes it possible to exclude the use of a light-transmitting current collection electrode and allows a protective insulating layer having a high light-transmitting property to be formed over the current collection electrode, which contributes to the reduction of the light absorption loss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shunpei Yamazaki
  • Multiple solar cell and method for manufacturing the same
    Patent number: 9012768
    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: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Azur Space Solar Power GmbH
    Inventors: Gerhard Strobl, Victor Khorenko
  • Photovoltaic module
    Patent number: 8993872
    Abstract: A photovoltaic module comprises a solar cell module including a plurality of solar cells; an inverter to convert DC voltage supplied from the solar cell module into AC voltage and to output the AC voltage; and a screen to generate an electric field based on the AC voltage, the screen comprising multiple electrode patterns that can receive AC voltage and being separated from each other. Based on the above, for example, foreign substance such as dust, snow, ice, etc., on the front surface of a photovoltaic module may be removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Daehee Jang, Jonghwan Kim
  • Photovoltaic module
    Patent number: 8981209
    Abstract: A photovoltaic module includes a substrate, a plurality of cell sets, a first collecting electrode and a second collecting electrode. The cell sets are disposed on the substrate. Each of the cell sets includes a plurality of cell units, a bottom connecting electrode and an upper connecting electrode. The plurality of cell units are electrically connected to each other in series. The cell units are electrically connected between the bottom connecting electrode and the upper connecting electrode. The first collecting electrode is disposed on the substrate and is electrically connected to the bottom connecting electrode of every cell set. The second collecting electrode is disposed on the substrate and is electrically connected to the upper connecting electrode of every cell set. The second collecting electrode and the cell sets are substantially made of the same layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: AU Optronics Corporation
    Inventors: I-Min Chan, Chi-Lin Chen
  • Annular semiconductor element and annular insulation material for a thermoelectric module, thermoelectric module and method for manufacturing the module
    Patent number: 8969704
    Abstract: An annular semiconductor element for producing a thermoelectric module includes at least one groove extending in a radial direction from an internal circumferential face to an external circumferential face. An annular insulation material insulates n-doped and p-doped semiconductor elements and is accordingly disposed on a lateral face of the semiconductor elements. The insulation material has a slit which extends in the radial direction and divides the insulation material. A thermoelectric module and a method for manufacturing the thermoelectric module are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: EMITEC Gesellschaft fuer Emissionstechnologie mbH
    Inventors: Rolf Brueck, Wilfried Mueller, Sigrid Limbeck
  • Cathodic materials for use in electrochemical sensors and associated devices and methods of manufacturing the same
    Patent number: 8951396
    Abstract: A cathodic material for use in an electrochemical sensor comprising: a carbonaceous material and an oxygen reduction catalyst associated with the carbonaceous material; and wherein the cathodic material does not materially exhibit catalytic activity for the oxidation of carbon monoxide. Associated electrochemical sensors may include an anode and cathode that are disposed upon the same or opposite sides of an ion exchange membrane and/or exposed to the same or different gaseous environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventor: Joel C. Nemes
  • Thermoelectric device, especially intended to generate an electrical current in an automotive vehicle
    Patent number: 8952234
    Abstract: The invention relates to a thermoelectric device, comprising a first circuit (1), called hot circuit, through which a first fluid can flow, and, a second circuit (2), called cold circuit, through which a second fluid can flow at a temperature lower than that of the first fluid, and elements (3, 3p, 3n), called thermoelectric elements, that can be used to generate an electric current in the presence of a temperature gradient. According to the invention, it comprises fins (6f, 6c) in a heat exchange relationship with said hot circuit (1) and/or said cold circuit (2), the thermoelectric elements (3, 3p, 3n) being in contact at least with said fins (6f, 6c), at least some of said fins (6f, 6c) being associated in pairs, a compressible material (11) being provided between the fins (6f, 6c) of one and the same pair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Valeo Systemes Thermiques
    Inventors: Stephane Tondelli, Michel Simonin
  • Biosensor
    Patent number: 8951395
    Abstract: A biosensor for electrochemically measuring a sample may include a first member made of an insulating material, an electrode system including a working electrode and a counter electrode formed on the first member, a second member fixed over the first member, a sample flow channel provided between the first member and the second member, a hydrophilic section provided on at least a part of the internal surface of the sample flow channel and extending from a first end near the electrode system to a second end on the opposite side, and a flow stop area provided on a section adjacent to the second end on the first member or on the internal surface of the sample flow channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Nippon Kayaku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Reiko Machida, Takao Yokoyama, Yayoi Irie, Hisako Takagi, Yoshihiko Umegae, Toshio Tanabe