Abstract: Differential capacitance manometers of the present disclosure may include a graphite baffle secured at one end and free at the other end, such that the baffle flexes toward and away from a pair of counter electrodes in the presence of a differential pressure. Because one of the electrodes is disposed closer to the free end of the baffle, a difference exists in the capacitance between the baffle and each of the electrodes, and this difference changes depending on the displacement of the baffle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for depositing a thin film layer onto a flexible ferromagnetic substrate include a porous block in a deposition zone and a plurality of magnets embedded within the porous block. The magnets provide a downward force on a flexible ferromagnetic substrate being transported over the porous block, e.g., in a reel-to-reel system. Pressurized gas is forced upward through the porous block, providing an upward force that balances the downward force and supports the substrate at a desired height above the porous block. The substrate is thus held flat during transport through the deposition zone, enabling uniform deposition of a thin film layer.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus for forming thin-film layers of semiconductor material absorber layers on a substrate web. According to the present teachings, a semiconductor layer may be formed in a multi-zone process whereby various layers are deposited sequentially onto a moving substrate web.

Abstract: A conductive grid formation system, apparatus, and related methods may include a drum having a conductive surface, an insulation layer coating said surface, and a grid pattern formed in the insulation layer to expose portions of the conductive surface. The drum surface may be rotated into and out of a chemical bath, such that a metallic grid is electrodeposited in the exposed portions of the conductive surface. A polymer sheet may be laminated to the surface of the drum and then removed, such that the metallic grid attaches to the polymer sheet and is removed with the polymer sheet. Heat, pressure, and/or adhesive may be utilized in various steps of the process, to facilitate preferential adhesion of the metallic grid to the polymer sheet.

Abstract: A conductive grid formation system, apparatus, and related methods may include a drum having a conductive surface, an insulation layer coating said surface, and a grid pattern formed in the insulation layer to expose portions of the conductive surface. The drum surface may be rotated into and out of a chemical bath, such that a metallic grid is electrodeposited in the exposed portions of the conductive surface. A polymer sheet may be laminated to the surface of the drum and then removed, such that the metallic grid attaches to the polymer sheet and is removed with the polymer sheet. Heat, pressure, and/or adhesive may be utilized in various steps of the process, to facilitate preferential adhesion of the metallic grid to the polymer sheet.

Abstract: A conductive grid formation system, apparatus, and related methods may include a drum having a conductive surface, an insulation layer coating said surface, and a grid pattern formed in the insulation layer to expose portions of the conductive surface. The drum surface may be rotated into and out of a chemical bath, such that a metallic grid is electrodeposited in the exposed portions of the conductive surface. A polymer sheet may be laminated to the surface of the drum and then removed, such that the metallic grid attaches to the polymer sheet and is removed with the polymer sheet. Heat, pressure, and/or adhesive may be utilized in various steps of the process, to facilitate preferential adhesion of the metallic grid to the polymer sheet.

Abstract: A conductive grid formation system, apparatus, and related methods may include a drum having a conductive surface, an insulation layer coating said surface, and a grid pattern formed in the insulation layer to expose portions of the conductive surface. The drum surface may be rotated into and out of a chemical bath, such that a metallic grid is electrodeposited in the exposed portions of the conductive surface. A polymer sheet may be laminated to the surface of the drum and then removed, such that the metallic grid attaches to the polymer sheet and is removed with the polymer sheet. Heat, pressure, and/or adhesive may be utilized in various steps of the process, to facilitate preferential adhesion of the metallic grid to the polymer sheet.

Abstract: A conductive grid formation system, apparatus, and related methods may include a drum having a conductive surface, an insulation layer coating said surface, and a grid pattern formed in the insulation layer to expose portions of the conductive surface. The drum surface may be rotated into and out of a chemical bath, such that a metallic grid is electrodeposited in the exposed portions of the conductive surface. A polymer sheet may be laminated to the surface of the drum and then removed, such that the metallic grid attaches to the polymer sheet and is removed with the polymer sheet. Heat, pressure, and/or adhesive may be utilized in various steps of the process, to facilitate preferential adhesion of the metallic grid to the polymer sheet.

Abstract: A conductive grid formation system, apparatus, and related methods may include a drum having a conductive surface, an insulation layer coating said surface, and a grid pattern formed in the insulation layer to expose portions of the conductive surface. The drum surface may be rotated into and out of a chemical bath, such that a metallic grid is electrodeposited in the exposed portions of the conductive surface. A polymer sheet may be laminated to the surface of the drum and then removed, such that the metallic grid attaches to the polymer sheet and is removed with the polymer sheet. Heat, pressure, and/or adhesive may be utilized in various steps of the process, to facilitate preferential adhesion of the metallic grid to the polymer sheet.

Abstract: Photovoltaic modules may include multiple flexible thin film photovoltaic cells electrically connected in series, and laminated to a substantially transparent top sheet having a conductive grid pattern facing the cells. Methods of manufacturing photovoltaic modules including integrated multi-cell interconnections are provided. Methods may include steps of coordinating, integrating, and registering multiple rolls of substrates in continuous processes.

Abstract: Photovoltaic modules may include multiple flexible thin film photovoltaic cells electrically connected in series, and laminated to a substantially transparent top sheet having a conductive grid pattern facing the cells. Methods of manufacturing photovoltaic modules including integrated multi-cell interconnections are provided. Methods may include steps of coordinating, integrating, and registering multiple rolls of substrates in continuous processes.

Abstract: Photovoltaic modules may include multiple flexible thin film photovoltaic cells electrically connected in series, and laminated to a substantially transparent top sheet having a conductive grid pattern facing the cells. Methods of manufacturing photovoltaic modules including integrated multi-cell interconnections are provided. Methods may include steps of coordinating, integrating, and registering multiple rolls of substrates in continuous processes.

Abstract: Photovoltaic modules may include multiple flexible thin film photovoltaic cells electrically connected in series by a substantially transparent top sheet having an embedded conductive wire grid pattern. Methods of manufacturing photovoltaic modules including integrated multi-cell interconnections are provided.

Abstract: Photovoltaic modules may include multiple flexible thin film photovoltaic cells electrically connected in series, and laminated to a substantially transparent top sheet having a conductive grid pattern facing the cells. Methods of manufacturing photovoltaic modules including integrated multi-cell interconnections are provided. Methods may include steps of coordinating, integrating, and registering multiple rolls of substrates in continuous processes.