Patents by Inventor Paul Shufflebotham
Paul Shufflebotham 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: 10262843Abstract: A sputtering target assembly, including a cylindrical backing tube, a magnet assembly disposed within the backing tube, and a conduit disposed within the backing tube and adapted for transporting coolant. The conduit includes at least one first opening positioned for providing the coolant in a substantially circumferential direction from the conduit toward an inner surface of the backing tube into a gap volume between a front side of the magnet assembly and the inner surface of the backing tube.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2016Date of Patent: April 16, 2019Assignee: BEIJING APOLLO DING RONG SOLAR TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventors: Robert Martinson, Paul Shufflebotham, Kevin Lynch, Heinrich von Bunau, Deborah Sloan, Daniel R. Juliano
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Publication number: 20170140906Abstract: A sputtering target assembly, including a cylindrical backing tube, a magnet assembly disposed within the backing tube, and a conduit disposed within the backing tube and adapted for transporting coolant. The conduit includes at least one first opening positioned for providing the coolant in a substantially circumferential direction from the conduit toward an inner surface of the backing tube into a gap volume between a front side of the magnet assembly and the inner surface of the backing tube.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 2016Publication date: May 18, 2017Inventors: Robert Martinson, Paul Shufflebotham, Kevin Lynch, Heinrich von Bunau, Deborah Sloan, Daniel R. Juliano
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Patent number: 9512516Abstract: A sputtering target assembly, including a cylindrical backing tube, a magnet assembly disposed within the backing tube, and a conduit disposed within the backing tube and adapted for transporting coolant. The conduit includes at least one first opening positioned for providing the coolant in a substantially circumferential direction from the conduit toward an inner surface of the backing tube into a gap volume between a front side of the magnet assembly and the inner surface of the backing tube.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2010Date of Patent: December 6, 2016Assignee: BEIJING APOLLO DING RONG SOLAR TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventors: Robert Martinson, Paul Shufflebotham, Kevin Lynch, Heinrich von Bunau, Deborah Sloan, Daniel R. Juliano
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Publication number: 20160190383Abstract: A deposition apparatus includes an input spool located in non-vacuum input module, at least one vacuum process module, an accumulator, and an air to vacuum sealing mechanism. The accumulator and the sealing mechanism are configured to continuously provide a web substrate from the input spool at atmosphere into the at least one process module at vacuum without stopping the web substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2016Publication date: June 30, 2016Inventors: Paul Shufflebotham, Robert Martinson, Heinrich von Bunau, Kevin Lynch, Mathew Sheffield
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Patent number: 9303316Abstract: A deposition apparatus includes an input spool located in non-vacuum input module, at least one vacuum process module, an accumulator, and an air to vacuum sealing mechanism. The accumulator and the sealing mechanism are configured to continuously provide a web substrate from the input spool at atmosphere into the at least one process module at vacuum without stopping the web substrate.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2011Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: APOLLO PRECISION KUNMING YUANHONG LIMITEDInventors: Paul Shufflebotham, Robert Martinson, Heinrich von Bunau, Kevin Lynch, Mathew Sheffield
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Patent number: 9169548Abstract: A photovoltaic cell includes a p-type copper-indium-gallium-selenide absorber layer, where a content of Cu, In, and Ga in a first portion of the p-type copper-indium-gallium-selenide absorber layer satisfies the equation Cu/(In+Ga)?0.3, and where the content is measured in atomic percent.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2010Date of Patent: October 27, 2015Assignee: APOLLO PRECISION FUJIAN LIMITEDInventors: John Corson, Alex Austin, Ron Rulkens, Jochen Titus, Robert Tas, Paul Shufflebotham, Daniel R. Juliano, Neil Mackie
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Patent number: 8956888Abstract: A photovoltaic device is made using a method and a system disclosed herein. The method may comprise: providing a web of photovoltaic material; providing a web of interconnect material; cutting the web of photovoltaic material into a plurality of photovoltaic cells; cutting the web of interconnect material into a plurality of interconnects; providing a respective one of the plurality of interconnects between adjacent photovoltaic cells to electrically connect a first string of photovoltaic cells in series; and laminating the first string of photovoltaic cells which are electrically connected in series between a top laminating sheet and a bottom laminating sheet. The system may comprise: a first conveyor, an optical inspection apparatus, a removal apparatus, a sorter, a second conveyor, and an assembly apparatus configured to place an interconnect between adjacent photovoltaic cells to electrically connect a first string of photovoltaic cells in series.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2010Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: Apollo Precision Fujian LimitedInventor: Paul Shufflebotham
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Patent number: 8710350Abstract: A combination photovoltaic and wind power generation installation comprising at least one wind turbine and a plurality of photovoltaic arrays, wherein the photovoltaic arrays may be disposed around the at least one wind turbine such that the photovoltaic arrays are at least partially shaded a portion of the day by the shadow cast by the at least one wind turbine. Photovoltaic modules that are resistant to shading effects may be used to minimize the effects of shading by the at least one wind turbine. The combination photovoltaic and wind power generation installation may transmit power through a single transmission line.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2011Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Inventor: Paul Shufflebotham
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Patent number: 8656658Abstract: Provided are photovoltaic module assemblies configured for improved installation. The assemblies include frameless photovoltaic modules and retainers for supporting the modules on mounting structures. The retainers support the modules at least during cure of adhesive materials provided between the modules and the mounting structures. Once cured, the adhesive materials provide permanent support to the modules. The retainers may interlock with the mounting structures during installation or be integral components of the structures. In certain embodiments, retainers are used to control a gap between the modules and mounting structures. Retainers may be removable and collected after installation is completed. Alternatively, retainers may remain as parts of assemblies at least during some initial period. Retainers may be made from various degradable materials, such as biodegradable plastics, UV degradable plastics, and/or water soluble materials.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2010Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: MiasoleInventors: Paul Shufflebotham, Todd Krajewski
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Publication number: 20130048488Abstract: A method of making a sputtering target includes forming a sputtering target containing a relatively porous sputtering material. The sputtering material may be initially formed to be substantially free of water or treated to remove substantially all of absorbed or adsorbed water from the sputtering material. The method also includes forming a water impermeable barrier layer over the substantially water free sputtering material to completely or substantially prevent re-absorption or re-adsorption of water in the sputtering material.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Inventor: Paul Shufflebotham
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Publication number: 20120267901Abstract: A combination photovoltaic and wind power generation installation comprising at least one wind turbine and a plurality of photovoltaic arrays, wherein the photovoltaic arrays may be disposed around the at least one wind turbine such that the photovoltaic arrays are at least partially shaded a portion of the day by the shadow cast by the at least one wind turbine. Photovoltaic modules that are resistant to shading effects may be used to minimize the effects of shading by the at least one wind turbine. The combination photovoltaic and wind power generation installation may transmit power through a single transmission line.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2011Publication date: October 25, 2012Applicant: MIASOLEInventor: Paul Shufflebotham
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Publication number: 20120103383Abstract: A photovoltaic device is made using a method and a system disclosed herein. The method may comprise: providing a web of photovoltaic material; providing a web of interconnect material; cutting the web of photovoltaic material into a plurality of photovoltaic cells; cutting the web of interconnect material into a plurality of interconnects; providing a respective one of the plurality of interconnects between adjacent photovoltaic cells to electrically connect a first string of photovoltaic cells in series; and laminating the first string of photovoltaic cells which are electrically connected in series between a top laminating sheet and a bottom laminating sheet. The system may comprise: a first conveyor, an optical inspection apparatus, a removal apparatus, a sorter, a second conveyor, and an assembly apparatus configured to place an interconnect between adjacent photovoltaic cells to electrically connect a first string of photovoltaic cells in series.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2010Publication date: May 3, 2012Applicant: MiaSoleInventor: Paul Shufflebotham
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Publication number: 20120097207Abstract: Provided are photovoltaic module assemblies configured for improved installation. The assemblies include frameless photovoltaic modules and retainers for supporting the modules on mounting structures. The retainers support the modules at least during cure of adhesive materials provided between the modules and the mounting structures. Once cured, the adhesive materials provide permanent support to the modules. The retainers may interlock with the mounting structures during installation or be integral components of the structures. In certain embodiments, retainers are used to control a gap between the modules and mounting structures. Retainers may be removable and collected after installation is completed. Alternatively, retainers may remain as parts of assemblies at least during some initial period. Retainers may be made from various degradable materials, such as biodegradable plastics, UV degradable plastics, and/or water soluble materials.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2010Publication date: April 26, 2012Applicant: MIASOLEInventors: Paul Shufflebotham, Todd Krajewski
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Publication number: 20120090671Abstract: A photovoltaic device includes a substrate, a first electrode layer over the substrate, a first compound semiconductor layer including copper, indium, gallium and selenium over the first electrode layer, a second compound semiconductor layer including copper, indium, and sulfur on the first compound semiconductor layer, and a second electrode layer over the second compound semiconductor layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2010Publication date: April 19, 2012Inventors: Paul Shufflebotham, Neil Mackie, Robert Tas
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Publication number: 20110308562Abstract: Provided are novel photovoltaic module electrical connectors, photovoltaic assemblies including these connectors, and techniques for installing these connectors to sealed photovoltaic modules. According to various embodiments, the connectors have conductive contact tips that are configured to pierce through a module exterior and form an electrical connection to the photovoltaic cells sealed inside. In certain embodiments, the novel photovoltaic module electrical connectors can be positioned at any location along one or more edges of a module to establish an electrical connection to any cell of the module. The conductive contact tips establish mechanical contacts with contact layers inside the modules, and in certain embodiments partially or completely penetrate the contact layers, without shorting the photovoltaic cells. In certain embodiments, the connectors have positive stop features that control penetration distances of the conductive contact tips into a module.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2010Publication date: December 22, 2011Applicant: MIASOLEInventor: Paul Shufflebotham
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Publication number: 20110308563Abstract: Provided are novel flexible photovoltaic assemblies and installation techniques. The assemblies include multiple flexible photovoltaic (PV) modules that are electrically connected and individually sealed. The modules may be sealed using a flexible material that provides protection from the environment and/or mechanical support to the cells and modules. These assemblies can be bent and even rolled. Each PV module is individually sealed with a cut-off area is provided between two consecutive modules for separating the modules. The design allows separating any number of modules from a roll without compromising any module. The modules are electrically interconnected with each other while in the roll. As such, when a set of modules is separated from a roll, all modules in a set are electrically interconnected as well as having an integral mechanical structure. The assemblies allow easy cut-to-fit installation on rooftops or other points of installation.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2010Publication date: December 22, 2011Applicant: MIASOLEInventor: Paul Shufflebotham
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Patent number: 8048707Abstract: A method of making a photovoltaic device includes forming a compound semiconductor layer including copper, indium, gallium, selenium and sulfur by reactive sputtering at least one target including copper, indium, gallium and a sulfur compound in an atmosphere including selenium.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2010Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: MiaSoleInventors: Paul Shufflebotham, Daniel R. Juliano, Robert Tas, Neil Mackie
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Publication number: 20100258173Abstract: A method for fabricating a solar cell. The method includes providing a thin metallic substrate in roll form. The method also includes applying an abrasive grit to a surface of the thin metallic substrate. The method includes mechanical-polishing the surface with the abrasive grit such that the surface is polished to remove at least one defect from the surface. Mechanical-polishing the surface of the thin metallic substrate is by a roll-to-roll polishing process of the surface of the thin metallic substrate. Moreover, the method includes depositing an absorber layer of the solar cell on the thin metallic substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2009Publication date: October 14, 2010Inventors: Joseph LAIA, Paul Shufflebotham, Daniel R. Juliano, Robert Martinson, Timothy Kueper
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Publication number: 20050155854Abstract: An exemplary method and apparatus for abating reaction products from a vacuum processing chamber includes a reaction chamber in fluid communication with the vacuum processing chamber, a coil disposed about the reaction chamber, and a power source for supplying RF energy to the coil. The coil creates a plasma in the reaction chamber which effectively breaks down stable reaction products from the vacuum processing chamber such as perfluorocarbons (PFCs) and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) which significantly contribute to global warming. According to alternative embodiments, the plasma may be generated with grids or coils disposed in the reaction chamber perpendicular to the flow of reaction products from the vacuum processing chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2004Publication date: July 21, 2005Inventors: Paul Shufflebotham, Michael Barnes