Patents by Inventor Robert B. Nikodem

Robert B. Nikodem 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: 4786784
    Abstract: A method for forming a vehicle window assembly includes applying a band of an opaque ceramic enamel material to a predetermined peripheral portion of a sheet of relatively flat glass, and heating the glass to a prefire temperature to fuse the opaque material to the glass. An electrically conductive material is applied to the band in a predetermined pattern to form a pair of bus bars typically along the top and bottom edges of the sheet of glass. The glass is again heated to fire the bus bar material and soften the glass for bending into a desired window shape. A mask is applied to the bus bars for later connection of electrical leads and the sheet of glass is washed prior to the next operation. An electrically conductive film is applied to the second surface of the sheet of glass and electrically connected to the bus bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1988
    Assignee: Libbey-Owens-Ford Co.
    Inventors: Robert B. Nikodem, Peter J. Tausch, Ronald D. Goodman, Robert M. Felt, Michael J. Grogan
  • Patent number: 4239809
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for forming films of materials which are component layers of solar energy conversion devices, e. g. photovoltaic cells and heat collector panels. A selected substrate is heated while being sprayed with solutions which react on the heated surface to form a particular film. Films of SnO.sub.x and CdS are particularly produced. According to the present invention, the spray is projected at an angle to control upstream flow and confine film formation to the substrate panel portions most suitable for forming the selected film. Various waste products are removed to minimize defects in the resulting film. Baffles are located to shield the substrate surface at selected areas and preclude the spray from impacting on the shielded areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1980
    Assignee: Photon Power, Inc.
    Inventors: Curtis M. Lampkin, Guy A. Roderick, Robert B. Nikodem