Patents by Inventor Robert D. Eckert

Robert D. Eckert 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).

  • Publication number: 20140053897
    Abstract: This disclosure features a system that includes first and second electrodes; first and second photoactive layers between the first and second electrodes; and a recombination material between the first and second photoactive layers. The first photoactive layer is between the first electrode and the recombination material. The second photoactive layer is between the second electrode and the recombination material. The recombination material includes a first hole blocking layer and a first hole carrier layer. The first hole blocking layer includes an n-type semiconductor material and a polyamine, at least some molecules of the polyamine being cross-linked. The system is configured as a photovoltaic system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: Merck Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Srinivasan Balasubramanian, Kethinni G. Chittibabu, Robert D. Eckert, Russell Gaudiana, Nirupama Kattamuri, Michael Lee, David P. Waller
  • Patent number: 8574947
    Abstract: Methods of preparing photovoltaic modules, as well as related components, systems, and devices, are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Inventors: Christoph Josef Brabec, Robert D. Eckert, Robert L. Graves, Jr., Jens Hauch, Karl Pichler, Igor Sokolik, Lian Wang
  • Publication number: 20110189812
    Abstract: Methods of preparing photovoltaic modules, as well as related components, systems, and devices, are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: Konarka Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Christoph Brabec, Robert D. Eckert, Robert L. Graves, JR., Jens Hauch, Karl Pichler, Igor Sokolik, Lian Wang
  • Patent number: 7932124
    Abstract: Methods of preparing photovoltaic modules, as well as related components, systems, and devices, are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Konarka Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Christoph Brabec, Robert D. Eckert, Robert L. Graves, Jr., Jens Hauch, Karl Pichler, Igor Sokolik, Lian Wang
  • Patent number: 7894694
    Abstract: Photovoltaic materials and methods of photovoltaic cell fabrication provide a photovoltaic cell in the form of a fiber. These fibers may be formed into a flexible fabric or textile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Konarka Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell Gaudiana, Lian Li, Kethinni G. Chittibabu, Robert D. Eckert, Alan Montello, Edmund Montello, Paul Wormser
  • Publication number: 20100015752
    Abstract: Methods of preparing photovoltaic modules, as well as related components, systems, and devices, are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: Konarka Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Christoph Brabec, Robert D. Eckert, Robert L. Graves, JR., Jens Hauch, Karl Pichler, Igor Sokolik, Lian Wang
  • Publication number: 20080217587
    Abstract: Photovoltaic materials and methods of photovoltaic cell fabrication provide a photovoltaic cell in the form of a fiber. These fibers may be formed into a flexible fabric or textile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventors: RUSSELL GAUDIANA, LIAN LI, KETHINNI G. CHITTIBABU, ROBERT D. ECKERT, ALAN MONTELLO, EDMUND MONTELLO, PAUL WORMSER
  • Patent number: 7022910
    Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides photovoltaic cells that utilize a mesh electrode on at least one exposure side of the photovoltaic cell. Preferably, the mesh electrode is a metallic mesh. In one embodiment, the invention provides dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) having a wire mesh exposure side electrode and a photovoltaic material comprising a photosensitized interconnected nanoparticle layer. In one embodiment, the wire mesh electrode functions as the cathode of the DSSC. In another embodiment, the wire mesh electrode functions as the anode of the DSSC. In addition, embodiments are provided where wire mesh electrodes are used for the anode and the cathode of a DSSC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Konarka Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell A. Gaudiana, Robert D. Eckert, Alan J. Montello, Edmund R. Montello
  • Publication number: 20030230337
    Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides photovoltaic cells that utilize a mesh electrode on at least one exposure side of the photovoltaic cell. Preferably, the mesh electrode is a metallic mesh. In one embodiment, the invention provides dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) having a wire mesh exposure side electrode and a photovoltaic material comprising a photosensitized interconnected nanoparticle layer. In one embodiment, the wire mesh electrode functions as the cathode of the DSSC. In another embodiment, the wire mesh electrode functions as the anode of the DSSC. In addition, embodiments are provided where wire mesh electrodes are used for the anode and the cathode of a DSSC.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2003
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventors: Russell A. Gaudiana, Robert D. Eckert, Alan J. Montello, Edmund R. Montello
  • Patent number: 5756253
    Abstract: There are described novel photographic processing compositions, film units and processes for use in diffusion transfer photographic systems. More particularly, there is described a method for forming a diffusion transfer image photographic processing of diffusion transfer photographic film units in the presence of hypoxanthine and inosine. Diffusion transfer photographic systems utilizing the novel photographic element or method of the present invention exhibit substantially fewer, if any, crystals on the final image of the finished photograph post-processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Polaroid Corporation
    Inventors: Robert D. Eckert, Michael P. Filosa, Gerard Gomes, Anthony R. Layne, Marlene C. Schwarz, Lloyd D. Taylor
  • Patent number: 5422233
    Abstract: Photographic processing compositions comprising an aqueous alkaline medium and a hydrophobically modified thickening agent are disclosed. The subject thickening agent increases the viscosity of the processing composition while maintaining a relatively uniform homogenous mixture of the constituents thereof. The subject processing compositions are useful in photographic diffusion transfer film units and processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Assignee: Polaroid Corporation
    Inventors: Robert D. Eckert, Daniel D. Huang, Francis M. Pierce
  • Patent number: 4726570
    Abstract: A ladle of the type having a bottom wall, sidewall and opposite trunnions extending outwardly from an upper portion of the sidewall is provided with a refractory lining by positioning a mandrel inside of the ladle in spaced relationship to the walls thereof to define a castable space. The mandrel is attached to an elongated horizontal support which extends over the top of the ladle. The elongated horizontal support is supported by the ladle trunnions and is also locked thereto against upward displacement. At least a portion of the mandrel which cooperates with the ladle sidewall is expandable and collapsible toward and away from the ladle sidewall. After the castable space is filled with castable refractory material, such material is allowed to solidify, and the elongated horizontal support is released from the trunnions so that the support and mandrel attached thereto can be lifted upwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1988
    Assignee: North American Refractories Company
    Inventors: Robert H. Phillips, Robert D. Eckert, Alan L. Fisch, Glen H. Mead, III
  • Patent number: 4418139
    Abstract: Solid compositions are disclosed comprising a complex of water; a benzotriazole of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are independently hydrogen, a monovalent organic radical, halogen, or nitro; and at least one water-soluble base having a basicity greater than that of the benzotriazole and capable of dissociating to provide an anion and a monovalent or divalent metal cation. The compositions have melting ranges above 35.degree. C. and are capable of releasing a substantial portion of the water contained therein to the surrounding environment when melted. The compositions can be employed in thermally developable photographic film units as thermally induced water-releasing materials which provide water to the internal environment of the film unit when the film unit is heated sufficiently to melt the composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1983
    Assignee: Polaroid Corporation
    Inventors: Howard G. Rogers, Robert D. Eckert, Ronald A. Sahatjian, Robert A. Sulesky
  • Patent number: 4384486
    Abstract: An improved indicator for fill content of a fire extinguishing system including a pressure vessel having an outlet through which the fire extinguishing material may flow. The indicator includes a non-magnetic, closed housing, mounted on the vessel and having one end within the vessel and the other end exteriorly of the vessel. At least one of the vessel and the housing are sealed to the atmosphere and a visual access opening is provided on the exterior end of the housing to allow one to look into the interior of the housing. A tape is mounted within the housing for movement in a path past the visual access opening and includes indicia along its length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1981
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1983
    Assignee: General Fire Extinguisher Corporation
    Inventor: Robert D. Eckert
  • Patent number: 4359397
    Abstract: Solid compositions are disclosed comprising a complex of water; a benzotriazole of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are independently hydrogen, a monovalent organic radical, halogen, or nitro; and at least one water-soluble base having a basicity greater than that of the benzotriazole and capable of dissociating to provide an anion and a monovalent or divalent metal cation. The compositions have melting ranges above 35.degree. C. and are capable of releasing a substantial portion of the water contained therein to the surrounding environment when melted. The compositions can be employed in thermally developable photographic film units as thermally induced water-releasing materials which provide water to the internal environment of the film unit when the film unit is heated sufficiently to melt the composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1982
    Assignee: Polaroid Corporation
    Inventors: Howard G. Rogers, Robert D. Eckert, Ronald A. Sahatjian, Robert A. Sulesky
  • Patent number: 4313501
    Abstract: A fire extinguishing system including a vessel having an outlet normally sealed by a frangible seal. A probe is aligned with the seal and is mounted for movement in a path intersecting the seal and spring biases the probe toward the seal in the path. A restraint is provided for normally restraining the probe in the path to prevent breakage of the seal and includes a radially outwardly opening annular groove in the probe, a series of spherical elements disposed such that they partially enter the groove, and a movable cam which abuts the spherical elements oppositely of the groove and which is configured to cam the elements partially into the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1980
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1982
    Assignee: General Fire Extinguisher Corporation
    Inventor: Robert D. Eckert
  • Patent number: 4163816
    Abstract: Silver diffusion transfer image-receiving elements are formed by hydrolyzing a solution of a hydrolyzable cellulose ester, coating a support with a layer of said hydrolyzed cellulose ester and disposing silver precipitating nuclei therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1977
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1979
    Assignee: Polaroid Corporation
    Inventors: Robert D. Eckert, Boris Levy, John B. Mahoney