Patents by Inventor Mark B. O'Neill
Mark B. O'Neill 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: 11911791Abstract: According to one embodiment, a solar device, comprises one or more photovoltaic cells disposed in an encapsulant and a light control structure including a louver film having a series of louver structures, wherein each louver structure includes one or more groupings of a plurality magnetizable particles aligned at least in a first orientation dispersed in a binding matrix. The light control structure substantially transmits light incident at a first angle and substantially limits transmission of light incident at a second angle. Each louver structure is spaced apart from an adjacent louver structure, wherein each louver structure is substantially aligned in a plane substantially parallel to an adjacent louver structure.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2019Date of Patent: February 27, 2024Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Mark B. O'Neill, Gary E. Gaides, Joseph B. Eckel, Aaron K. Nienaber, Ronald D. Jesme, Mark D. Weigel
-
Publication number: 20230411547Abstract: According to one embodiment, a solar device, comprises one or more photovoltaic cells disposed in an encapsulant and a light control structure including a louver film having a series of louver structures, wherein each louver structure includes one or more groupings of a plurality magnetizable particles aligned at least in a first orientation dispersed in a binding matrix. The light control structure substantially transmits light incident at a first angle and substantially limits transmission of light incident at a second angle. Each louver structure is spaced apart from an adjacent louver structure, wherein each louver structure is substantially aligned in a plane substantially parallel to an adjacent louver structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2023Publication date: December 21, 2023Inventors: Mark B. O'Neill, Gary E. Gaides, Joseph B. Eckel, Aaron K. Nienaber, Ronald D. Jesme, Mark D. Weigel
-
Publication number: 20230099923Abstract: A solar cell is described that comprises a transparent conductor sheet having a polymeric substrate with an embedded metal grid, disposed within microchannels extending partially through a thickness of polymeric substrate from a first surface of the polymeric substrate; and a photoactive layer disposed adjacent to the first surface of the polymeric substrate. The transparent conductor sheet has a sheet resistance less than 1 ?/? and an average solar direct transmittance over the visible and infrared portion of the spectrum of at least about 80%.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2022Publication date: March 30, 2023Inventors: Daniel M. Pierpont, John J. Sullivan, Robert L. Brott, Mark B. O'Neill, Mark D. Weigel, Raymond P. Johnston
-
Patent number: 11298918Abstract: Multilayer infrared (IR) reflecting films are provided. An optical repeating unit of the film include a plurality of optical polymeric layers arranged to reflect light by constructive and destructive interference. Optical layer A is a high refractive index polymeric layer, and optical layer B is a low refractive index isotropic polymeric layer containing fluoropolymers. The film has an average reflectance of about 50% to about 100% in a near infrared wavelength range of about 850 nm to about 1850 nm, and an average transmission of about 70% to about 90% in a visible light range.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2017Date of Patent: April 12, 2022Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Timothy J. Hebrink, Mark B. O'Neill, Stephen J. Kuncio, Edward J. Kivel, Laurence R. Gilbert, Tracey D. Sorensen, Timothy J. Nevitt, Stephen A. Johnson
-
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
-
Publication number: 20210313482Abstract: The present disclosure relates to reflective microstructured films having stray-light mitigation properties, and their use in solar modules.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2019Publication date: October 7, 2021Inventor: Mark B. O'Neill
-
Publication number: 20210294002Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method of making an optical film for control of light comprising: positioning a first mixture on a substrate, wherein the first mixture comprises a first plurality of magnetizable particles dispersed in a first resin, assembling the first plurality of magnetizable particles into a desired structure for the control of the light by rotating modulation of at least a first magnetic field relative to the first plurality of magnetizable particles, and vitrifying the first resin while the first plurality of magnetizable particles are in the desired structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2019Publication date: September 23, 2021Inventors: Mark B. O'Neill, Gary E. Gaides, Tri D. Pham, Aaron K. Nienaber, Ronald D. Jesme, Joseph B. Eckel, Shawn C. Dodds, Bert T. Chien
-
Publication number: 20210273126Abstract: According to one embodiment, a solar device, comprises one or more photovoltaic cells disposed in an encapsulant and a light control structure including a louver film having a series of louver structures, wherein each louver structure includes one or more groupings of a plurality magnetizable particles aligned at least in a first orientation dispersed in a binding matrix. The light control structure substantially transmits light incident at a first angle and substantially limits transmission of light incident at a second angle. Each louver structure is spaced apart from an adjacent louver structure, wherein each louver structure is substantially aligned in a plane substantially parallel to an adjacent louver structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2019Publication date: September 2, 2021Inventors: Mark B. O'Neill, Gary E. Gaides, Joseph B. Eckel, Aaron K. Nienaber, Ronald D. Jesme, Mark D. Weigel
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
Publication number: 20200144435Abstract: Generally, the present disclosure relates to light control films. The present disclosure also relates to assemblies incorporating light control films. In some embodiments, the light control films of the present disclosure regulate transmission of one or more of visible light, ultraviolet light, and infrared light that reaches a substrate after exiting the light control film. The light control film comprises waveguiding channels (130) which collect light incident under larger incidence angles towards the surface opposite the incidence surface. The channels are surrounded by a material (140) having a lower refractive index than the one the channel material and can comprise an absorbing pigment.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2018Publication date: May 7, 2020Inventors: Gary E. Gaides, Mark B. O'Neill, Gary T. Boyd
-
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
-
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
-
Publication number: 20190369314Abstract: Multilayer infrared (IR) reflecting films are provided. An optical repeating unit of the film include a plurality of optical polymeric layers arranged to reflect light by constructive and destructive interference. Optical layer A is a high refractive index polymeric layer, and optical layer B is a low refractive index isotropic polymeric layer containing fluoropolymers. The film has an average reflectance of about 50% to about 100% in a near infrared wavelength range of about 850 nm to about 1850 nm, and an average transmission of about 70% to about 90% in a visible light range.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2017Publication date: December 5, 2019Inventors: Timothy J. Hebrink, Mark B. O'Neill, Stephen J. Kuncio, Edward J. Kivel, Laurence R. Gilbert, Tracey D. Sorensen, Timothy J. Nevitt, Stephen A. Johnson
-
Publication number: 20190237603Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a flexible sunlight redirecting film, a photovoltaic module, a light redirecting film and a method of making a sunlight redirecting film. The flexible sunlight redirecting film includes a plurality of microstructures that extend away from a plane of the film. A second layer is disposed on and conforms to the microstructures of the first layer. The second layer is configured to redirect sunlight impinging on the second layer. A third layer comprising a thermally activated adhesive is disposed over the second layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2019Publication date: August 1, 2019Inventors: Mark B. O'NEILL, Timothy N. NARUM, Yiwen CHU
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
Patent number: 9998070Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to durable solar mirror films, methods of making durable solar mirror films, and constructions including durable solar mirror films. In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a solar mirror film comprising: a multilayer optical film layer including having a coefficient of hygroscopic expansion of less than about 30 ppm per percent relative humidity; and a reflective layer having a coefficient of hygroscopic expansion.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2016Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: 3m Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Mark B. O'Neill, Andrew J. Henderson, Timothy J. Hebrink, Rajesh K. Katare, Naiyong Jing, Diane North, Eric M. Peterson