Patents by Inventor Jiaying Ma
Jiaying Ma 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).
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Patent number: 11749769Abstract: A light redirecting film includes a first layer disposed on a second layer with structured major surfaces of the first and second layers facing each other. An optically reflective layer or a metal layer is disposed between the first and second layers. The first layer can be a hot melt adhesive layer and the second layer can be a polymeric layer. The first and second layers can be unitary layers. The first layer can be a first polymeric layer having a softening temperature T1 and the second layer can be a second polymeric layer having a softening temperature T2 greater than T1. Heating and/or applying pressure to the film changes an optical characteristic of the film by less than about 5%.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2020Date of Patent: September 5, 2023Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Vivian W. Jones, Gary E. Gaides, Stephen A. Johnson, Nathaniel I. Lehn, Jiaying Ma, Adam T. Ringberg, Tianyu Wu, Fuming B. Li
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Publication number: 20230065275Abstract: A polymer coated conductive ribbon is described herein, wherein the polymer coated conductive ribbon consists essentially of a smooth conductive member having a defined width and thickness substantially enclosed in an insulating polymeric sheath, wherein the insulating polymeric sheath comprises a thermoplastic insulating polymer as a first storage modulus (G?) is above 0.2 MPa at 40° C. and a second storage modulus below 0.05 MPa at 160° C.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2022Publication date: March 2, 2023Inventors: Tianyu Wu, Sean M. Sweetnam, Daniel M. Pierpont, Jiaying Ma, Dong-Wei Zhu, Nelson T. Rotto
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Publication number: 20230006085Abstract: A light redirecting film includes a first layer disposed on a second layer with structured major surfaces of the first and second layers facing each other. An optically reflective layer or a metal layer is disposed between the first and second layers. The first layer can be a hot melt adhesive layer and the second layer can be a polymeric layer. The first and second layers can be unitary layers. The first layer can be a first polymeric layer having a softening temperature T1 and the second layer can be a second polymeric layer having a softening temperature T2 greater than T1. Heating and/or applying pressure to the film changes an optical characteristic of the film by less than about 5%.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2020Publication date: January 5, 2023Inventors: Vivian W. Jones, Gary E. Gaides, Stephen A. Johnson, Nathaniel I. Lehn, Jiaying Ma, Adam T. Ringberg, Tianyu Wu, Fuming B. Li
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Publication number: 20210384371Abstract: Disclosed is a solar cell module, which comprises a solar cell module comprising a light transmitting element, a front encapsulant layer, a plurality of solar cells spaced from each other, a back encapsulant layer, and an encapsulation backsheet disposed in the module's thickness direction, the plurality of solar cells together forming a matrix which comprises a plurality of solar cell strings parallel with each other, each solar cell string being made up of a plurality of solar cells connected in series, there being a string gap formed between every two adjacent solar cell strings, and there being a cell gap formed between adjacent solar cells in each solar cell string, wherein the solar cell module further comprises a plurality of light redirecting films each of which comprises an optical structure, the light redirecting films being disposed on the solar cells' back surfaces opposite to their light receiving surfaces or the encapsulation backsheet's surface within the solar cell module, such that they spatiType: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2019Publication date: December 9, 2021Inventors: Yuting Wan, Jiaying Ma, Yiwen Chu, Timothy N. Narum, Mark B. O'Neill
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Patent number: 10953560Abstract: A system for converting and attaching material strips to a substrate includes a dispenser configured to advance an elongated tape having length l1 and width w1 with l1>w1 relative to a surface of a substrate. A cutting tool cuts the elongated tape transversely along the width w1 of the tape to produce a strip having length l2 and width w2. During the cutting, a portion of the cutting Stool pushes a first surface of the strip against a gripper while cutting the tape. The gripper holds the first surface of the strip against the gripper while moving to position an opposing, second surface of the strip over the surface of the substrate. The gripper releases the strip after positioning the strip.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2017Date of Patent: March 23, 2021Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Mark J. Votava, Paul J. Cobian, Jiaying Ma, Waldo L. Lopez, Dagny M. Joffre
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Patent number: 10950745Abstract: An automated photovoltaic (PV) subassembly manufacturing method involves in-line cutting of material strips. A tape is cut longitudinally into multiple strips. The strips are separated and guided into spaced apart positions relative to a surface of the PV cell subassembly comprising one or more PV cells. The multiple strips remain attached to the tape while the strips are guided to the spaced apart positions. The multiple strips are positioned at attachment locations on the surface of a PV cell subassembly.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2017Date of Patent: March 16, 2021Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Mark J. Votava, Jiaying Ma
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Patent number: 10903382Abstract: A light redirecting film defining a longitudinal axis, and including a base layer, an ordered arrangement of a plurality of microstructures, and a reflective layer. The microstructures project from the base layer, and each extends across the base layer to define a corresponding primary axis. The primary axis of at least one of the microstructures is oblique with respect to the longitudinal axis. The reflective layer is disposed over the microstructures opposite the base layer. When employed, for example, to cover portions of a PV module tabbing ribbon, or areas free of PV cells, the films of the present disclosure uniquely reflect incident light.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2019Date of Patent: January 26, 2021Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Mark B. O'Neill, Jiaying Ma
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Publication number: 20200381576Abstract: An automated photovoltaic (PV) subassembly manufacturing method involves in-line cutting of material strips. A tape is cut longitudinally into multiple strips. The strips are separated and guided into spaced apart positions relative to a surface of the PV cell subassembly comprising one or more PV cells. The multiple strips remain attached to the tape while the strips are guided to the spaced apart positions. The multiple strips are positioned at attachment locations on the surface of a PV cell subassembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2017Publication date: December 3, 2020Inventors: Mark J. VOTAVA, Jiaying MA
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Publication number: 20200357944Abstract: The present invention provides a solar cell module, which comprises: a back panel, a rear package layer, a plurality of mutually spaced solar cells, a front package layer, and a light-transmissive element, which are successively disposed along a thickness direction of the solar cell module. The solar cell module further comprises at least one light redirecting film, each light redirecting film comprising an optical structure layer. The light redirecting film is disposed on a surface, opposite to the side where the solar cells are located, of the rear package layer; the position of the light redirecting film corresponds to a region between the solar cells. The optical structure layer faces the rear package layer, such that the optical structure layer reflects the light towards an interface between the light-transmissive element and the air; and the light is then totally internally reflected to light-facing surfaces of the solar cells.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2019Publication date: November 12, 2020Inventors: Jiaying Ma, Timothy N. Narum, Mark B. O'Neill
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Publication number: 20200357942Abstract: Disclosed is a solar cell module, which comprises: a plurality of solar cells; a light transmitting element disposed on the light receiving side of the plurality of solar cells; a front encapsulant layer between the plurality of solar cells and the light transmitting element; a plurality of tabbing ribbons disposed on the light receiving surfaces of the plurality of solar cells for connecting the plurality of solar cells; and a light redirecting film disposed upon the on-the-cell portion of at least one said tabbing ribbon; the light redirecting film comprises an optical structure layer facing the light transmitting element, for reflecting light toward the interface between the light transmitting element and the air, which light is subsequently totally internally reflected back to the surfaces of the solar cells, wherein the thickness of the light redirecting film is between 20 ?m and 115 ?m, and the gram weight of the front encapsulant layer is between 400 g/m2 and 500 g/m2.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2019Publication date: November 12, 2020Inventors: Jiaying Ma, Timothy N. Narum, Mark B. O'Neill, Qihong Nie, Yuting Wan
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Publication number: 20200127152Abstract: A solar panel includes a solar cell and a partial reflector. The solar cell has a first average quantum efficiency Q1 when absorbing light within a first wavelength range, a second average quantum efficiency Q2 when absorbing light within a second wavelength range outside the first wavelength range, and a third average quantum efficiency Q3 when absorbing light within a third wavelength range outside the first and second wavelength ranges, such that Q1?Q2?Q3. The partial reflector faces the solar cell and is configured to receive light transmitted by the solar cell and reflect at least a portion of the received light back toward the solar cell. The partial reflector reflects at least 50% of light in the second wavelength range and transmits at least 70% of light in each of the first and third wavelength ranges.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2019Publication date: April 23, 2020Inventor: Jiaying Ma
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Publication number: 20200119214Abstract: A light redirecting film defining a longitudinal axis, and including a base layer, an ordered arrangement of a plurality of microstructures, and a reflective layer. The microstructures project from the base layer, and each extends across the base layer to define a corresponding primary axis. The primary axis of at least one of the microstructures is oblique with respect to the longitudinal axis. The reflective layer is disposed over the microstructures opposite the base layer. When employed, for example, to cover portions of a PV module tabbing ribbon, or areas free of PV cells, the films of the present disclosure uniquely reflect incident light.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2019Publication date: April 16, 2020Inventors: Mark B. O'Neill, Jiaying Ma
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Patent number: 10510913Abstract: A light redirecting film defining a longitudinal axis, and including a base layer, an ordered arrangement of a plurality of microstructures, and a reflective layer. The microstructures project from the base layer, and each extends across the base layer to define a corresponding primary axis. The primary axis of at least one of the microstructures is oblique with respect to the longitudinal axis. The reflective layer is disposed over the microstructures opposite the base layer. When employed, for example, to cover portions of a PV module tabbing ribbon, or areas free of PV cells, the films of the present disclosure uniquely reflect incident light.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2018Date of Patent: December 17, 2019Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Mark B. O'Neill, Jiaying Ma
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Publication number: 20190232512Abstract: A system for converting and attaching material strips to a substrate includes a dispenser configured to advance an en elongated tape having length l1 and width w1 with l1>w1 relative to a surface of a substrate. A cutting tool cuts the elongated tape transversely along the width w1 of the tape to produce a strip having length l2 and width w2. During the cutting, a portion of the cutting Stool pushes a first surface of the strip against a gripper while cutting the tape. The gripper holds the first surface of the strip against the gripper while moving to position an opposing, second surface of the strip over the surface of the substrate. The gripper releases the strip after positioning the strip.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2017Publication date: August 1, 2019Inventors: Mark J. VOTAVA, Paul J. COBIAN, Jiaying MA, Waldo L. LOPEZ, Dagny M. JOFFRE
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Publication number: 20190237601Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a device, a solar cell module, a method of making a flexible sunlight redirecting film, a method of installing a solar cell module at an installation site, and a method of making a solar cell module. A sunlight redirecting film comprises a first layer having a first major surface and a second major surface that includes a plurality of structures. A largest triangle that can be inscribed in a cross section of each structure taken perpendicular to the first surface has first and second facets extending away from the first major surface to a peak of the triangle. A length of the first facet differs from a length of the second facet by at least 10%. The sunlight redirecting film also comprises a second layer disposed on and conforming to the structures. The second layer is configured to redirect sunlight impinging on the second layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2019Publication date: August 1, 2019Inventors: Mark B. O'NEILL, Timothy N. NARUM, Jiaying MA, Yiwen CHU
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Publication number: 20190088810Abstract: A light redirecting film defining a longitudinal axis, and including a base layer, an ordered arrangement of a plurality of microstructures, and a reflective layer. The microstructures project from the base layer, and each extends across the base layer to define a corresponding primary axis. The primary axis of at least one of the microstructures is oblique with respect to the longitudinal axis. The reflective layer is disposed over the microstructures opposite the base layer. When employed, for example, to cover portions of a PV module tabbing ribbon, or areas free of PV cells, the films of the present disclosure uniquely reflect incident light.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2018Publication date: March 21, 2019Inventors: Mark B. O'NEILL, Jiaying MA
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Patent number: 10205041Abstract: A light redirecting film defining a longitudinal axis, and including a base layer, an ordered arrangement of a plurality of microstructures, and a reflective layer. The microstructures project from the base layer, and each extends across the base layer to define a corresponding primary axis. The primary axis of at least one of the microstructures is oblique with respect to the longitudinal axis. The reflective layer is disposed over the microstructures opposite the base layer. When employed, for example, to cover portions of a PV module tabbing ribbon, or areas free of PV cells, the films of the present disclosure uniquely reflect incident light.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2016Date of Patent: February 12, 2019Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Mark B. O'Neill, Jiaying Ma
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Patent number: 9972734Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to photovoltaic modules and methods of making photovoltaic modules. One exemplary photovoltaic module includes a plurality of photovoltaic cells including a first photovoltaic cell and a second photovoltaic cell spaced apart from one another to form an area that is free of photovoltaic cells; an electrical connector connecting at least the first and second photovoltaic cells; and a light directing medium positioned on at least a portion of the first photovoltaic cell.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2013Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Daniel T. Chen, Jiaying Ma
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Publication number: 20180040757Abstract: A light redirecting film defining a longitudinal axis, and including a base layer, an ordered arrangement of a plurality of microstructures, and a reflective layer. The microstructures project from the base layer, and each continuously extends across the base layer to define a corresponding primary axis. The primary axis of at least one of the microstructures is oblique with respect to the longitudinal axis. The reflective layer is disposed over the microstructures opposite the base layer. When employed, for example, to cover portions of a PV module tabbing ribbon, the films of the present disclosure uniquely reflect incident light.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2017Publication date: February 8, 2018Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: MARK B. O'NEILL, JIAYING MA, MARK J. VOTAVA
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Publication number: 20170104121Abstract: A light redirecting film defining a longitudinal axis, and including a base layer, an ordered arrangement of a plurality of microstructures, and a reflective layer. The microstructures project from the base layer, and each extends across the base layer to define a corresponding primary axis. The primary axis of at least one of the microstructures is oblique with respect to the longitudinal axis. The reflective layer is disposed over the microstructures opposite the base layer. When employed, for example, to cover portions of a PV module tabbing ribbon, or areas free of PV cells, the films of the present disclosure uniquely reflect incident light.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: MARK B. O'NEILL, JIAYING MA