Abstract: Techniques and systems are described that enable multiple current source prioritization with overvoltage protection.

Abstract: Disclosed are module connectors for flexible photovoltaic modules. A module connector may include a clamp and an insert configured to be inserted into the clamp. The insert may have an insert body, an electrical lead and an electrical connector. The clamp may have a body portion with a recess configured to receive the insert body, a first clamping portion configured to clamp a second portion of the electrical connector to connect it to the body portion, and a second clamping portion with a first clamping surface configured to contact a first sheet of the module and a second clamping surface configured to contact a second sheet of the module. The second clamping portion may be configured to connect the clamp to the module such that the clamp overlaps and extends around a part of the first sheet, a part of the module's exterior edge surface, and a part of the second sheet.

Abstract: A method for the joining of ceramic pieces with a hermetically sealed joint comprising brazing a layer of joining material between the two pieces. The ceramic pieces may be aluminum nitride or other ceramics, and the pieces may be brazed with Nickel and an alloying element, under controlled atmosphere. The completed joint will be fully or substantially Nickel with another element in solution. The joint material is adapted to later withstand both the environments within a process chamber during substrate processing, and the oxygenated atmosphere which may be seen within the interior of a heater or electrostatic chuck. Semiconductor processing equipment comprising ceramic and joined with a nickel alloy and adapted to withstand processing chemistries, such as fluorine chemistries, as well as high temperatures.

Abstract: Provided herein are ultra-thin flexible photovoltaic modules. The flexible modules meet UL and IEC safety requirements without needing one or more encapsulant layers. The no-encapsulant design reduces material usage and associated cost and eliminates thermal and mechanical stress imparted by the encapsulant. In some embodiments, a flexible module includes photovoltaic cells enclosed between sealing sheets, wires partially embedded in wire carriers and disposed such that the wires interconnect the photovoltaic cells. The wire carriers include multiple polymeric layers. Adhesive from module components such as sealing sheets and wire carriers bonds the components together.

Abstract: Disclosed are module connectors for flexible photovoltaic modules. A module connector may include a clamp and an insert configured to be inserted into the clamp. The insert may have an insert body, an electrical lead and an electrical connector. The clamp may have a body portion with a recess configured to receive the insert body, a first clamping portion configured to clamp a second portion of the electrical connector to connect it to the body portion, and a second clamping portion with a first clamping surface configured to contact a first sheet of the module and a second clamping surface configured to contact a second sheet of the module. The second clamping portion may be configured to connect the clamp to the module such that the clamp overlaps and extends around a part of the first sheet, a part of the module's exterior edge surface, and a part of the second sheet.

Abstract: Techniques and systems are described that enable multiple current source prioritization with overvoltage protection.

Abstract: Techniques and systems are described that enable multiple current source prioritization with overvoltage protection.

Abstract: An electrical termination unit or feedthrough which may be used for routing electrical conductors through a chamber wall, or otherwise across a barrier between isolated atmospheric conditions. The electrical termination unit may have aluminum as the interface material to the chamber interface and may utilize a ceramic insulator. The electrical termination unit may have the aluminum used as the interface brazed directly to a ceramic surface of the insulator. The aluminum that forms the chamber interface may be formed within a hollow ceramic tube in the same process step that brazes the aluminum to the ceramic tube with a hermetic joint. Machining subsequent to the brazing of the aluminum to the ceramic insulator may allow for achievement of the final form desired. A method for manufacturing such an electrical termination unit.

Abstract: Disclosed are flexible photovoltaic modules that have photovoltaic cells electrically connected to each other and positioned in a sealed space between flexible top and bottom sheets and that includes a first region at a first end of the module, a second region at a second end of the module, and a central region interposed between the first and second regions that encompasses at least 75% of the cells, and a bus bar with interlaced copper strands, an external insulation, a length of at least 1 meter and a thickness of about 0.5 millimeters or less, a conductivity that can conduct at least 3.0 amps of current, that extends substantially the length of the module, is positioned in the first region, the central region, and the second region, and is electrically connected, in the first region, to a second external electrical connector, and, in the second region, to the cells.

Abstract: A method for joining quartz pieces using metallic aluminum as the joining element. The aluminum may be placed between two quartz pieces and the assembly may be heated in the range of 500 C to 650 C. The joining atmosphere may be non-oxygenated. A method for the joining of quartz pieces which may include barrier layers on the quartz pieces. The barrier layers may be impervious to aluminum diffusion and may be of a metal oxide or metal nitride. The quartz pieces with the barrier layers may then be joined at temperatures higher than 650 C and less than 1200 C. A device such as an RF antenna or electrode in support of semiconductor processing using joined quartz pieces wherein the aluminum joining layer which has joined the pieces and also functions as antenna electrode.

Abstract: Disclosed are module connectors for flexible photovoltaic modules. A module connector may include a clamp and an insert configured to be inserted into the clamp. The insert may have an insert body, an electrical lead and an electrical connector. The clamp may have a body portion with a recess configured to receive the insert body, a first clamping portion configured to clamp a second portion of the electrical connector to connect it to the body portion, and a second clamping portion with a first clamping surface configured to contact a first sheet of the module and a second clamping surface configured to contact a second sheet of the module. The second clamping portion may be configured to connect the clamp to the module such that the clamp overlaps and extends around a part of the first sheet, a part of the module's exterior edge surface, and a part of the second sheet.

Abstract: Techniques and systems are described that enable multiple current source prioritization with overvoltage protection.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for use in protecting watersheds from turf treatment contaminants particularly in relation to sports fields and golf courses. The invention further relates to methods and systems for the use of a plurality of the devices in a system to control, impede, or reduce the level of contaminants from turf treatments which enter drainage systems and catch basins associated with turf surfaces, turf sports fields, parks and golf courses. The invention relates to the device alone or in combination with a catch basin cover or in combination with a catch basin directly or in combination with a drainage riser.

Abstract: An interconnect assembly. The interconnect assembly includes a trace that includes a plurality of electrically conductive portions. The plurality of electrically conductive portions is configured both to collect current from a first solar cell and to interconnect electrically to a second solar cell. In addition, the plurality of electrically conductive portions is configured such that solar-cell efficiency is substantially undiminished in an event that any one of the plurality of electrically conductive portions is conductively impaired.

Abstract: Disclosed are wire assemblies for solar cells. One wire assembly includes a first polymer film and a second polymer film overlaying the first polymer film. The second polymer film has a wire embedded in it such that a surface of the wire that is facing away from the first polymer film is exposed. The gauge of the wire is about 36 to 46 gauge. The thickness of the second polymer film is about ¼ to ½ the diameter of the wire and about 0.5 to 1.5 mils.

Abstract: Provided are novel building integrable photovoltaic (BIP) modules and methods of fabricating thereof. A module may be fabricated from an insert having one or more photovoltaic cells by electrically interconnecting and mechanically integrating one or more connectors with the insert. Each connector may have one or more conductive elements, such as metal sockets and/or pins. At least two of all conductive elements are electrically connected to the photovoltaic cells using, for example, bus bars. These and other electrical components are electrically insulated using a temperature resistant material having a Relative Temperature Index (RTI) of at least about 115° C. The insulation may be provided before or during module fabrication by, for example, providing a prefabricated insulating housing and/or injection molding the temperature resistant material. The temperature resistant material and/or other materials may be used for mechanical integration of the one or more connectors with the insert.

Abstract: An interconnect assembly. The interconnect assembly includes a trace that includes a plurality of electrically conductive portions. The plurality of electrically conductive portions is configured both to collect current from a first solar cell and to interconnect electrically to a second solar cell. In addition, the plurality of electrically conductive portions is configured such that solar-cell efficiency is substantially undiminished in an event that any one of the plurality of electrically conductive portions is conductively impaired.

Abstract: An electrostatic chuck with a top surface adapted for Johnsen-Rahbek clamping in the temperature range of 500 C to 750 C. The top surface may be sapphire. The top surface is attached to the lower portion of the electrostatic chuck using a braze layer able to withstand corrosive processing chemistries. A method of manufacturing an electrostatic chuck with a top surface adapted for Johnsen-Rahbek clamping in the temperature range of 500 C to 750 C.

Abstract: Methods for producing substantially pure cultures of human neural retinal progenitor cells, forebrain progenitor cells, and retinal pigment epithelial cells are disclosed. In addition, the successful differentiation of human embryonic stem cells and human induced pluripotent stem cells through the major developmental stages of human retinogenesis is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for use in protecting watersheds from turf treatment contaminants particularly in relation to sports fields and golf courses. The invention further relates to methods and systems for the use of a plurality of the devices in a system to control, impede, or reduce the level of contaminants from turf treatments which enter drainage systems and catch basins associated with turf surfaces, turf sports fields, parks and golf courses. The invention relates to the device alone or in combination with a catch basin cover or in combination with a catch basin directly or in combination with a drainage riser.