Patents by Inventor Diane K. Hufford

Diane K. Hufford 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).

  • Mask aligner for solar cell fabrication
    Patent number: 4608112
    Abstract: A novel method and device for accurately aligning a substrate comprising a silicon wafer in the fabrication of a silicon vertical junction solar cell are described which comprise a base plate having a recess therein defining an opening for snugly receiving the wafer, the recess including a substantially straight portion for mating with a cleaved edge of known crystallographic orientation provided on the wafer, and a mask plate for covering the base plate and wafer, the mask including a pattern in predetermined configuration through which the wafer may be exposed in the fabrication process for the solar cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1986
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventor: Diane K. Hufford
  • VMJ Solar cell fabrication process using mask aligner
    Patent number: 4547958
    Abstract: A novel method and device for accurately aligning a substrate comprising a silicon wafer in the fabrication of a silicon vertical junction solar cell are described which comprise a base plate having a recess therein defining an opening for snugly receiving the wafer, the recess including a substantially straight portion for mating with a cleaved edge of known crystallographic orientation provided on the wafer, and a mask plate for covering the base plate and wafer, the mask including a pattern in predetermined configuration through which the wafer may be exposed in the fabrication process for the solar cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1985
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventor: Diane K. Hufford