Patents by Inventor Kevin R. Houle

Kevin R. Houle 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).

  • Method of forming a photovoltaic cell module
    Patent number: 8420412
    Abstract: A method of forming a photovoltaic cell module uses a cell press having a table and a plate that is spaced from and moveable relative to the table. The method includes supporting the cell with the plate between the plate and the table. A substrate and a tie layer disposed on the substrate are introduced between the cell and the table with the substrate supported by the table and with the tie layer facing the cell. One of the cell and the table are moved toward the other until the cell contacts the tie layer. A vacuum is applied between the cell and the tie layer to evacuate the space between the cell and the tie layer as the cell contacts the tie layer. This evacuation eliminates the possibility of air bubbles being formed between the cell and the tie layer as the cell contacts the tie layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Dow Corning Corporation
    Inventors: Steven D. Crofoot, Kevin R. Houle, David C. Johnson, Barry M. Ketola
  • Method Of Forming A Photovoltaic Cell Module
    Publication number: 20110005066
    Abstract: A method of forming a photovoltaic cell module uses a cell press having a table and a plate that is spaced from and moveable relative to the table. The method includes supporting the cell with the plate between the plate and the table. A substrate and a tie layer disposed on the substrate are introduced between the cell and the table with the substrate supported by the table and with the tie layer facing the cell. One of the cell and the table are moved toward the other until the cell contacts the tie layer. A vacuum is applied between the cell and the tie layer to evacuate the space between the cell and the tie layer as the cell contacts the tie layer. This evacuation eliminates the possibility of air bubbles being formed between the cell and the tie layer as the cell contacts the tie layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventors: Steven D. Crofoot, Kevin R. Houle, David C. Johnson, Barry M. Ketola