Patents by Inventor Elwin L. Johnson

Elwin L. Johnson 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).

  • Patent number: 4614835
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a photovoltaic solar array which is provided with a matrix having spherical photovoltaic diode particles embedded therein in an ordered array, the P-type region of each particle extending to one matrix surface and the N-type region of each particle extending to an opposed matrix surface. Backside metallization is disposed on the matrix backside surface to interconnect the particles extending thereto and frontside conductors are provided on the opposing matrix surface to interconnect the particles extending thereto. The matrix includes two portions, the first portion being a layer extending to the frontside formed of a clear glass. The second portion of the matrix is, in effect, two layers, one disposed at the P-N junctions of the particles being a lead base glass for junction passivation, this layer being overcoated with a reflective layer to provide additional reflectivity of light entering the matrix onto the particles. This increases the amount of light impinging on the particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1983
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1986
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Kent R. Carson, Joseph D. Luttmer, Charles E. Williams, William R. McKee, Stephen T. Tso, Elwin L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 4270263
    Abstract: Semiconductor particles are distributed in a single level layer orientation in a glass sheet with portions of each particle exposed at both surfaces of the sheet. A metal layer on one surface of the sheet is in ohmic contact with the body of each particle and forms a common electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1978
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1981
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Elwin L. Johnson, Jack S. Kilby, Jay W. Lathrop, John S. McFerren, David J. Myers
  • Patent number: 4173494
    Abstract: Semiconductor particles are distributed in a single level layer orientation in a glass sheet with portions of each particle exposed at both surfaces of the sheet. A metal layer on one surface of the sheet is in ohmic contact with the body of each particle and forms a common electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1977
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1979
    Assignee: Jack S. Kilby
    Inventors: Elwin L. Johnson, Jack S. Kilby, Jay W. Lathrop, John S. McFerren, David J. Myers