Patents by Inventor Millard J. Jensen, deceased

Millard J. Jensen, deceased 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).

  • Array of solar cells having an optically self-aligning, output-increasing, ambient-protecting coating
    Patent number: 5419782
    Abstract: A cover (14) for an array (12) of foil matrix-mounted (18), spaced photovoltaic members (16) protects the array (12) from the environment and increases its efficiency. Upper portions (31) of the members (16) extend above the free reflective surface (20T) of the foil matrix (18). The cover (14)includes an environment-excluding coating (60) which is emplaced on the array (12) to conform to the upper portions (31). The coating is configured as cusps (68) which overlie the free surface (20T) of the matrix (18) centrally between adjacent members (16). The nadirs (72) of the cusps (68) are closely spaced from the free surface (20T). Accordingly, each member (16) effectively supports a conformal lens (70) which directs thereat much of the otherwise "wasted" light that would fall on the free foil surface (20T) between adjacent members (16) and would not fall on the members (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Jules D. Levine, Milfred D. Hammerbacher, Gregory B. Hotchkiss, Millard J. Jensen, deceased