Patents by Inventor Brian E. Hardin

Brian E. Hardin has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20210292574
    Abstract: Intercalation pastes for use with semiconductor devices are disclosed. The pastes contain precious metal particles, intercalating particles, organic vehicle, and metal-based additives (MBAs). MBAs can be used to improve the material properties of metal particle layers. Specific formulations have been developed to be screen-printed directly onto a dried metal particle layer and fired to make a fired multilayer stack. The fired multilayer stack can be tailored to create a solderable surface, high mechanical strength, and low contact resistance. In some embodiments, the fired multilayer stack can etch through a dielectric layer to improve adhesion to a substrate. Such pastes can be used to increase the efficiency of silicon solar cells, specifically multi- and mono-crystalline silicon back-surface field (BSF), and passivated emitter and rear contact (PERC) photovoltaic cells. Other applications include integrated circuits and more broadly, electronic devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 4, 2019
    Publication date: September 23, 2021
    Inventors: Brian E. HARDIN, Fillarry SUSANTO, Dhea SUSENO, Daniel J. HELLEBUSCH, Craig H. PETERS
  • Patent number: 10696851
    Abstract: Intercalation pastes for use with semiconductor devices are disclosed. The pastes contain precious metal particles, intercalating particles, and an organic vehicle and can be used to improve the material properties of metal particle layers. Specific formulations have been developed to be screen-printed directly onto a dried metal particle layer and fired to make a fired multilayer stack. The fired multilayer stack can be tailored to create a solderable surface, high mechanical strength, and low contact resistance. In some embodiments, the fired multilayer stack can etch through a dielectric layer to improve adhesion to a substrate. Such pastes can be used to increase the efficiency of silicon solar cells, specifically multi- and mono-crystalline silicon back-surface field (BSF), and passivated emitter and rear contact (PERC) photovoltaic cells. Other applications include integrated circuits and more broadly, electronic devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Hitachi Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Brian E. Hardin, Erik Sauar, Dhea Suseno, Jesse J. Hinricher, Jennifer Huang, Tom Yu-Tang Lin, Stephen T. Connor, Daniel J. Hellebusch, Craig H. Peters
  • Publication number: 20200098938
    Abstract: Metallization pastes for use with semiconductor devices are disclosed. The pastes contain silver particles, low-melting-point base-metal particles, organic vehicle, and optional crystallizing agents. Specific formulations have been developed that produce stratified metal films that contain less silver than conventional pastes and that have high peel strengths. Such pastes can be used to make high contact resistance metallization layers on silicon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2019
    Publication date: March 26, 2020
    Inventors: Brian E. Hardin, Stephen T. Connor, James Randy Groves, Craig H. Peters
  • Patent number: 10550291
    Abstract: Oxidation-resistant electrically-conductive metal particles (ORCMP) are disclosed. ORCMPs are comprised of a base-metal core, an oxidation-resistant first shell, and an optional conductive second shell. ORCMPs are low cost alternatives to silver particles in metal fillers for low-temperature, electrically-conductive adhesives. Adhesives including ORCMPs, organic vehicles, and optional conductive metal particles such as silver were formulated to yield conductive films upon curing at low temperatures. Such films can be used in many electronic devices where low-temperature, low cost films are needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: Hitachi Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Brian E. Hardin, Stephen T. Connor, Craig H. Peters
  • Patent number: 10418497
    Abstract: Metallization pastes for use with semiconductor devices are disclosed. The pastes contain silver particles, low-melting-point base-metal particles, organic vehicle, and optional crystallizing agents. Specific formulations have been developed that produce stratified metal films that contain less silver than conventional pastes and that have high peel strengths. Such pastes can be used to make high contact resistance metallization layers on silicon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Hitachi Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Brian E. Hardin, Stephen T. Connor, James Randy Groves, Craig H. Peters
  • Patent number: 10233338
    Abstract: Intercalation pastes for use with semiconductor devices are disclosed. The pastes contain precious metal particles, intercalating particles, and an organic vehicle and can be used to improve the material properties of metal particle layers. Specific formulations have been developed to be screen-printed directly onto a dried metal particle layer and fired to make a fired multilayer stack. The fired multilayer stack can be tailored to create a solderable surface, high mechanical strength, and low contact resistance. In some embodiments, the fired multilayer stack can etch through a dielectric layer to improve adhesion to a substrate. Such pastes can be used to increase the efficiency of silicon solar cells, specifically multi- and mono-crystalline silicon back-surface field (BSF), and passivated emitter and rear contact (PERC) photovoltaic cells. Other applications include integrated circuits and more broadly, electronic devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: PLANT PV, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian E. Hardin, Erik Sauar, Dhea Suseno, Jesse J. Hinricher, Jennifer Huang, Tom Yu-Tang Lin, Stephen T. Connor, Daniel J. Hellebusch, Craig H. Peters
  • Publication number: 20190019911
    Abstract: Shingled arrays of solar cells are disclosed. The solar cells used to form the shingled arrays are made using novel, new intercalation pastes. The pastes contain precious metal particles, intercalating particles, and an organic vehicle and can be used to improve the material properties of metal particle layers. Specific formulations have been developed to be screen-printed directly onto a dried metal particle layer and fired to make a fired multilayer stack. In some embodiments, the fired multilayer stack can etch through a dielectric layer to improve adhesion to a substrate. Such pastes can be used to great advantage by increasing the efficiency of silicon solar cells, specifically multi- and mono-crystalline silicon back-surface field (BSF), passivated emitter and rear contact (PERC) photovoltaic cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2018
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Inventors: Brian E. Hardin, Daniel J. Hellebusch, Craig H. Peters, Dhea Suseno, Fillarry Susanto
  • Patent number: 10000645
    Abstract: A method of forming a fired multilayer stack are described. The method involves the steps of a) applying a wet metal particle layer on at least a portion of a surface of a substrate, b) drying the wet metal particle layer to form a dried metal particle layer, c) applying a wet intercalation layer directly on at least a portion of the dried metal particle layer to form a multilayer stack, d) drying the multilayer stack, and e) co-firing the multilayer stack to form the fired multilayer stack. The intercalating layer may include one or more of low temperature base metal particles, crystalline metal oxide particles, and glass frit particles. The wet metal particle layer may include aluminum, copper, iron, nickel, molybdenum, tungsten, tantalum, titanium, steel or combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: PLANT PV, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian E. Hardin, Erik Sauar, Dhea Suseno, Jesse J. Hinricher, Jennifer Huang, Tom Yu-Tang Lin, Stephen T. Connor, Daniel J. Hellebusch, Craig H. Peters
  • Patent number: 9741878
    Abstract: Intercalation pastes for use with semiconductor devices are disclosed. The pastes contain precious metal particles, intercalating particles, and an organic vehicle and can be used to improve the material properties of metal particle layers. Specific formulations have been developed to be screen-printed directly onto a dried metal particle layer and fired to make a fired multilayer stack. The fired multilayer stack can be tailored to create a solderable surface, high mechanical strength, and low contact resistance. In some embodiments, the fired multilayer stack can etch through a dielectric layer to improve adhesion to a substrate. Such pastes can be used to increase the efficiency of silicon solar cells, specifically multi- and mono-crystalline silicon back-surface field (BSF), and passivated emitter and rear contact (PERC) photovoltaic cells. Other applications include integrated circuits and more broadly, electronic devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: PLANT PV, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian E. Hardin, Erik Sauar, Dhea Suseno, Jesse J. Hinricher, Jennifer Huang, Tom Yu-Tang Lin, Stephen T. Connor, Daniel J. Hellebusch, Craig H. Peters
  • Patent number: 9698283
    Abstract: Materials and methods for fabrication of rear tabbing, front busbar, and fine grid line layers for silicon based photovoltaic cells are disclosed. Materials include conductive metallization pastes that contain core-shell nickel based particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: PLANT PV, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian E. Hardin, Stephen T. Connor, James Randy Groves, Craig H. Peters
  • Publication number: 20170145224
    Abstract: Intercalation pastes for use with semiconductor devices are disclosed. The pastes contain precious metal particles, intercalating particles, and an organic vehicle and can be used to improve the material properties of metal particle layers. Specific formulations have been developed to be screen-printed directly onto a dried metal particle layer and fired to make a fired multilayer stack. The fired multilayer stack can be tailored to create a solderable surface, high mechanical strength, and low contact resistance. In some embodiments, the fired multilayer stack can etch through a dielectric layer to improve adhesion to a substrate. Such pastes can be used to increase the efficiency of silicon solar cells, specifically multi- and mono-crystalline silicon back-surface field (BSF), and passivated emitter and rear contact (PERC) photovoltaic cells. Other applications include integrated circuits and more broadly, electronic devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2016
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Inventors: Brian E. Hardin, Erik Sauar, Dhea Suseno, Jesse J. Hinricher, Jennifer Huang, Tom Yu-Tang Lin, Stephen T. Connor, Daniel J. Hellebusch, Craig H. Peters
  • Publication number: 20170148933
    Abstract: Intercalation pastes for use with semiconductor devices are disclosed. The pastes contain precious metal particles, intercalating particles, and an organic vehicle and can be used to improve the material properties of metal particle layers. Specific formulations have been developed to be screen-printed directly onto a dried metal particle layer and fired to make a fired multilayer stack. The fired multilayer stack can be tailored to create a solderable surface, high mechanical strength, and low contact resistance. In some embodiments, the fired multilayer stack can etch through a dielectric layer to improve adhesion to a substrate. Such pastes can be used to increase the efficiency of silicon solar cells, specifically multi- and mono-crystalline silicon back-surface field (BSF), and passivated emitter and rear contact (PERC) photovoltaic cells. Other applications include integrated circuits and more broadly, electronic devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2016
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Inventors: Brian E. Hardin, Erik Sauar, Dhea Suseno, Jesse J. Hinricher, Jennifer Huang, Tom Yu-Tang Lin, Stephen T. Connor, Daniel J. Hellebusch, Craig H. Peters
  • Publication number: 20170148944
    Abstract: A method of forming a fired multilayer stack are described. The method involves the steps of a) applying a wet metal particle layer on at least a portion of a surface of a substrate, b) drying the wet metal particle layer to form a dried metal particle layer, c) applying a wet intercalation layer directly on at least a portion of the dried metal particle layer to form a multilayer stack, d) drying the multilayer stack, and e) co-firing the multilayer stack to form the fired multilayer stack. The intercalating layer may include one or more of low temperature base metal particles, crystalline metal oxide particles, and glass frit particles. The wet metal particle layer may include aluminum, copper, iron, nickel, molybdenum, tungsten, tantalum, titanium, steel or combinations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2016
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Inventors: Brian E. Hardin, Erik Sauar, Dhea Suseno, Jesse J. Hinricher, Jennifer Huang, Tom Yu-Tang Lin, Stephen T. Connor, Daniel J. Hellebusch, Craig H. Peters
  • Publication number: 20170148937
    Abstract: Intercalation pastes for use with semiconductor devices are disclosed. The pastes contain precious metal particles, intercalating particles, and an organic vehicle and can be used to improve the material properties of metal particle layers. Specific formulations have been developed to be screen-printed directly onto a dried metal particle layer and fired to make a fired multilayer stack. The fired multilayer stack can be tailored to create a solderable surface, high mechanical strength, and low contact resistance. In some embodiments, the fired multilayer stack can etch through a dielectric layer to improve adhesion to a substrate. Such pastes can be used to increase the efficiency of silicon solar cells, specifically multi- and mono-crystalline silicon back-surface field (BSF), and passivated emitter and rear contact (PERC) photovoltaic cells. Other applications include integrated circuits and more broadly, electronic devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2016
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Inventors: Brian E. Hardin, Erik Sauar, Dhea Suseno, Jesse J. Hinricher, Jennifer Huang, Tom Yu-Tang Lin, Stephen T. Connor, Daniel J. Hellebusch, Craig H. Peters
  • Publication number: 20170058152
    Abstract: Oxidation-resistant electrically-conductive metal particles (ORCMP) are disclosed. ORCMPs are comprised of a base-metal core, an oxidation-resistant first shell, and an optional conductive second shell. ORCMPs are low cost alternatives to silver particles in metal fillers for low-temperature, electrically-conductive adhesives. Adhesives including ORCMPs, organic vehicles, and optional conductive metal particles such as silver were formulated to yield conductive films upon curing at low temperatures. Such films can be used in many electronic devices where low-temperature, low cost films are needed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Brian E. Hardin, Stephen T. Connor, Craig H. Peters
  • Publication number: 20170062632
    Abstract: Metallization pastes for use with semiconductor devices are disclosed. The pastes contain silver particles, low-melting-point base-metal particles, organic vehicle, and optional crystallizing agents. Specific formulations have been developed that produce stratified metal films that contain less silver than conventional pastes and that have high peel strengths. Such pastes can be used to make high contact resistance metallization layers on silicon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Brian E. Hardin, Stephen T. Connor, James Randy Groves, Craig H. Peters
  • Patent number: 9331216
    Abstract: Materials and methods for fabrication of rear tabbing, front busbar, and fine grid line layers for silicon based photovoltaic cells are disclosed. Materials include conductive metallization pastes that contain core-shell nickel based particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: PLANT PV, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian E. Hardin, Stephen T. Connor, James Randy Groves, Craig H. Peters
  • Publication number: 20160049541
    Abstract: Multi-crystalline group II-VI solar cells and methods for fabrication of same are disclosed herein. A multi-crystalline group II-VI solar cell includes a first photovoltaic sub-cell comprising silicon, a tunnel junction, and a multi-crystalline second photovoltaic sub-cell. A plurality of the multi-crystalline group II-VI solar cells can be interconnected to form low cost, high throughput flat panel, low light concentration, and/or medium light concentration photovoltaic modules or devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2015
    Publication date: February 18, 2016
    Inventors: Brian E. Hardin, Stephen T. Connor, James Randy Groves, Craig H. Peters
  • Publication number: 20150243812
    Abstract: Metallization pastes for use with semiconductor devices are disclosed. The pastes contain silver nanoparticles, silver microparticles, and nondeformable inorganic material particles. Specific formulations have been developed that yield printed lines with low porosities and high peel strengths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2015
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Inventors: Brian E. Hardin, Stephen T. Connor, James Randy Groves, Craig H. Peters, Jose Marcial Portilla
  • Patent number: 9070811
    Abstract: Multi-crystalline group II-VI solar cells and methods for fabrication of same are disclosed herein. A multi-crystalline group II-VI solar cell includes a first photovoltaic sub-cell comprising silicon, a tunnel junction, and a multi-crystalline second photovoltaic sub-cell. A plurality of the multi-crystalline group II-VI solar cells can be interconnected to form low cost, high throughput flat panel, low light concentration, and/or medium light concentration photovoltaic modules or devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: PLANT PV, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian E Hardin, Stephen T Connor, James R Groves, Craig H Peters