Patents by Inventor Ming-Du Kang

Ming-Du Kang 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).

  • Systems, methods and apparatus for electroplating photovoltaic cells
    Patent number: 10301740
    Abstract: A two piece electroplating frame or electroplating frame is disclosed that is suitable for holding multiple solar cells during an electroplating operation. The electroplating frame can be formed from or at least covered with non-conductive material to reduce the collection of plating material on the electroplating frame. The two pieces of the electroplating frame can be coupled together around the solar cells by magnets distributed throughout the electroplating frame. The electroplating frame can include alignment features for self-aligning the assembly of the two pieces without requiring precise pre-alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: SolarCity Corporation
    Inventors: Pablo Gonzalez, Ming-Du Kang
  • Cassette optimized for an inline annealing system
    Patent number: 9954136
    Abstract: An apparatus for carrying a plurality of photovoltaic structures is provided. The apparatus can include a pair of end plates, a set of stationary posts coupling together the end plates, and a wafer-locking mechanism that can be engaged when the apparatus changes orientation. At least one stationary post can be shaped like a comb and have a first array of comb teeth for separating the photovoltaic structures. The wafer-locking mechanism can be configured to lock the photovoltaic structures in position, thereby preventing motion-induced damage to the photovoltaic structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Tesla, Inc.
    Inventors: Xinsheng Chu, Ming-Du Kang
  • CASSETTE OPTIMIZED FOR AN INLINE ANNEALING SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20180040761
    Abstract: An apparatus for carrying a plurality of photovoltaic structures is provided. The apparatus can include a pair of end plates, a set of stationary posts coupling together the end plates, and a wafer-locking mechanism that can be engaged when the apparatus changes orientation. At least one stationary post can be shaped like a comb and have a first array of comb teeth for separating the photovoltaic structures. The wafer-locking mechanism can be configured to lock the photovoltaic structures in position, thereby preventing motion-induced damage to the photovoltaic structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Applicant: SolarCity Corporation
    Inventors: Xinsheng Chu, Ming-Du Kang
  • SYSTEMS, METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR ELECTROPLATING PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS
    Publication number: 20170167044
    Abstract: A two piece electroplating frame or electroplating frame is disclosed that is suitable for holding multiple solar cells during an electroplating operation. The electroplating frame can be formed from or at least covered with non-conductive material to reduce the collection of plating material on the electroplating frame. The two pieces of the electroplating frame can be coupled together around the solar cells by magnets distributed throughout the electroplating frame. The electroplating frame can include alignment features for self-aligning the assembly of the two pieces without requiring precise pre-alignment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2015
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Inventors: Pablo Gonzalez, Ming-Du Kang