Patents by Inventor Eric D. Cole

Eric D. Cole 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: 6008449
    Abstract: A solar cell assembly for focusing incident radiation on a solar cell. The assembly comprises a reflective member having first and second opposite surfaces. The first surface is transparent to allow incident radiation to pass into the reflective member. The second surface has a plurality of reflective portions positioned to receive the radiation and reflect and focus the radiation toward the first surface. The radiation strikes the first surface at an angle greater than a critical angle of the first surface and is reflected and focused back toward the second surface. The assembly further comprises a solar cell positioned at least proximate to the reflective member to receive the radiation reflected and focused from the first surface of the reflective member and generate electric current from the radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Inventor: Eric D. Cole
  • Patent number: 5437736
    Abstract: A semiconductor solar cell formed on a optical fiber or fibers, including layers of semiconductor materials surrounding an annular extent of each fiber. The cell is embedded into a superstrate which is a collimating lens. A method of manufacturing the cell and module are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Inventor: Eric D. Cole