Patents by Inventor Steven Thomas Croft
Steven Thomas Croft 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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Publication number: 20190181294Abstract: Provided are novel interconnect wire network assemblies and methods of fabricating thereof. An assembly may include conductive portions/individual wires that, in certain embodiments, are substantially parallel to each other. The assembly also includes two or more carrier films (i.e., the front side and back side films) attached to opposite sides of the wires. The films are typically attached along the wire ends. The films are made from electrically insulating materials and at least the front side film is substantially transparent. The front side film is used to attach the wires to a photovoltaic surface of one cell, while the back side film is used for attachment to a substrate surface of another cell. These attachments electrically interconnect the two cells in series. In certain embodiments, one or both carrier films extend beyond two end wires and form insulated portions that allow much closer arrangements of the cells in a module.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2018Publication date: June 13, 2019Inventor: Steven Thomas Croft
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Patent number: 10158031Abstract: An interconnect assembly. The interconnect assembly includes a trace that includes a plurality of electrically conductive portions. The plurality of electrically conductive portions is configured both to collect current from a first solar cell and to interconnect electrically to a second solar cell. In addition, the plurality of electrically conductive portions is configured such that solar-cell efficiency is substantially undiminished in an event that any one of the plurality of electrically conductive portions is conductively impaired.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2014Date of Patent: December 18, 2018Assignee: Beijing Apollo Ding Rong Solar Technology Co., LTD.Inventors: Mulugeta Zerfu Wudu, Jason Stephen Corneille, Steven Thomas Croft, Steven Douglas Flanders, William James McColl
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Patent number: 10056521Abstract: Provided are novel interconnect wire network assemblies and methods of fabricating thereof. An assembly may include conductive portions/individual wires that, in certain embodiments, are substantially parallel to each other. The assembly also includes two or more carrier films (i.e., the front side and back side films) attached to opposite sides of the wires. The films are typically attached along the wire ends. The films are made from electrically insulating materials and at least the front side film is substantially transparent. The front side film is used to attach the wires to a photovoltaic surface of one cell, while the back side film is used for attachment to a substrate surface of another cell. These attachments electrically interconnect the two cells in series. In certain embodiments, one or both carrier films extend beyond two end wires and form insulated portions that allow much closer arrangements of the cells in a module.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2015Date of Patent: August 21, 2018Assignee: Beijing Apollo Ding Rong Solar Technology Co., Ltd.Inventor: Steven Thomas Croft
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Patent number: 9895630Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for accurately measuring and allocating treated oil. Separators can be modified to include automatic control systems utilizing active flow controls and level sensors. The automatic control systems can be configured to cause oil to flow at a rate and with a duration sufficient to accurately measure the amount of oil transferred from the separator. The systems and methods also provide for a method of correcting for oil density variations. The systems and methods also allow for fail-safe operations by having the active flow controls fail in an open position allowing pre-existing passive flow control valves to operate normally.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2015Date of Patent: February 20, 2018Assignee: Valin CorporationInventors: Jeffrey Adler, Steven Thomas Croft, Jared Micah Lanig
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Publication number: 20170288078Abstract: An interconnect assembly. The interconnect assembly includes a trace that includes a plurality of electrically conductive portions. The plurality of electrically conductive portions is configured both to collect current from a first solar cell and to interconnect electrically to a second solar cell. In addition, the plurality of electrically conductive portions is configured such that solar-cell efficiency is substantially undiminished in an event that any one of the plurality of electrically conductive portions is conductively impaired.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2017Publication date: October 5, 2017Inventors: Mulugeta Zerfu Wudu, Jason Stephen Corneille, Steven Thomas Croft, Steven Douglas Flanders, William James McColl
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Patent number: 9620660Abstract: An interconnect assembly. The interconnect assembly includes a trace that includes a plurality of electrically conductive portions. The plurality of electrically conductive portions is configured both to collect current from a first solar cell and to interconnect electrically to a second solar cell. In addition, the plurality of electrically conductive portions is configured such that solar-cell efficiency is substantially undiminished in an event that any one of the plurality of electrically conductive portions is conductively impaired.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2013Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: Beijing Apollo Ding Rong Solar Technology Co., Ltd.Inventors: Mulugeta Zerfu Wudu, Jason Stephen Corneille, Steven Thomas Croft, Steven Douglas Flanders, William James McColl
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Publication number: 20160204302Abstract: Provided are novel interconnect wire network assemblies and methods of fabricating thereof. An assembly may include conductive portions/individual wires that, in certain embodiments, are substantially parallel to each other. The assembly also includes two or more carrier films (i.e., the front side and back side films) attached to opposite sides of the wires. The films are typically attached along the wire ends. The films are made from electrically insulating materials and at least the front side film is substantially transparent. The front side film is used to attach the wires to a photovoltaic surface of one cell, while the back side film is used for attachment to a substrate surface of another cell. These attachments electrically interconnect the two cells in series. In certain embodiments, one or both carrier films extend beyond two end wires and form insulated portions that allow much closer arrangements of the cells in a module.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2015Publication date: July 14, 2016Inventor: Steven Thomas Croft
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Publication number: 20160133769Abstract: Provided are bypass diode assemblies for use in photovoltaic modules. Also provided are methods of fabricating such assemblies and a method of fabricating photovoltaic modules using such assemblies. A diode assembly may include an insulating strip, at least one lead-diode assembly having a diode and two leads, and at least two interconnecting conductors overlapping with and electrically contacting the leads of the lead-diode assembly. The insulating strip supports the lead-diode assembly and conductors and at least partially insulates these components from photovoltaic cells. Specifically, during module fabrication, the interconnecting conductors make electrical connections to the back sides of the cells through cutouts in the insulating strip. The electrical connections may be made to every cell in a row or a subset of selected cells in that row. In certain embodiments, the same interconnecting conductor is connected to two or more cells positioned in adjacent rows.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2015Publication date: May 12, 2016Inventors: Steven Thomas Croft, Osman Ghandour, Whitfield Gardner Halstead
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Publication number: 20160008742Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for accurately measuring and allocating treated oil. Separators can be modified to include automatic control systems utilizing active flow controls and level sensors. The automatic control systems can be configured to cause oil to flow at a rate and with a duration sufficient to accurately measure the amount of oil transferred from the separator. The systems and methods also provide for a method of correcting for oil density variations. The systems and methods also allow for fail-safe operations by having the active flow controls fail in an open position allowing pre-existing passive flow control valves to operate normally.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2015Publication date: January 14, 2016Inventors: Jeffrey Adler, Steven Thomas Croft, Jared Micah Lanig
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Patent number: 9059351Abstract: Provided are bypass diode assemblies for use in photovoltaic modules. Also provided are methods of fabricating such assemblies and a method of fabricating photovoltaic modules using such assemblies. A diode assembly may include an insulating strip, at least one lead-diode assembly having a diode and two leads, and at least two interconnecting conductors overlapping with and electrically contacting the leads of the lead-diode assembly. The insulating strip supports the lead-diode assembly and conductors and at least partially insulates these components from photovoltaic cells. Specifically, during module fabrication, the interconnecting conductors make electrical connections to the back sides of the cells through cutouts in the insulating strip. The electrical connections may be made to every cell in a row or a subset of selected cells in that row. In certain embodiments, the same interconnecting conductor is connected to two or more cells positioned in adjacent rows.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2011Date of Patent: June 16, 2015Assignee: Apollo Precision (Fujian) LimitedInventors: Steven Thomas Croft, Osman Ghandour, Whitfield Gardner Halstead
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Publication number: 20150136199Abstract: An interconnect assembly. The interconnect assembly includes a trace that includes a plurality of electrically conductive portions. The plurality of electrically conductive portions is configured both to collect current from a first solar cell and to interconnect electrically to a second solar cell. In addition, the plurality of electrically conductive portions is configured such that solar-cell efficiency is substantially undiminished in an event that any one of the plurality of electrically conductive portions is conductively impaired.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2014Publication date: May 21, 2015Inventors: Mulugeta Zerfu Wudu, Jason Stephen Corneille, Steven Thomas Croft, Steven Douglas Flanders, William James McColl
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Patent number: 9018513Abstract: A solar-cell module. The solar-cell module includes a plurality of solar cells that are electrically coupled together. The solar-cell module further includes an in-laminate-diode assembly electrically coupled with the plurality of solar cells. The in-laminate-diode assembly is configured to prevent power loss. The solar-cell module also includes a protective structure at least partially encapsulating the plurality of solar cells. In addition, the solar-cell module includes a plurality of external-connection mechanisms mounted to a respective plurality of edge regions of the protective structure. An external-connection mechanism of the plurality of external-connection mechanisms is configured to enable collection of current from the plurality of solar cells and to allow interconnection with at least one other external device.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2011Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: Apollo Precision (Kunming) Yuanhong LimitedInventors: Steven Thomas Croft, William James McColl, Shawn Everson, Jason Stephen Corneille, Kent Whitfield, Todd Krajewski, Darin Britwhistle
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Patent number: 8912429Abstract: An interconnect assembly. The interconnect assembly includes a trace that includes a plurality of electrically conductive portions. The plurality of electrically conductive portions is configured both to collect current from a first solar cell and to interconnect electrically to a second solar cell. In addition, the plurality of electrically conductive portions is configured such that solar-cell efficiency is substantially undiminished in an event that any one of the plurality of electrically conductive portions is conductively impaired.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2008Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignee: Hanergy Holding Group Ltd.Inventors: Mulugeta Zerfu Wudu, Jason Stephen Corneille, Steven Thomas Croft, Steven Douglas Flanders, William James McColl
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Patent number: 8586398Abstract: Provided herein are methods of incorporating additives into thin-film solar cell substrates and back contacts. In certain embodiments, sodium is incorporated into a substrate or a back contact of a thin-film photovoltaic stack where it can diffuse into a CIGS or other absorber layer to improve efficiency and/or growth of the layer. The methods involve laser treating the substrate or back contact in the presence of a sodium (or sodium-containing) solid or vapor to thereby incorporate sodium into the surface of the substrate or back contact. In certain embodiments, the surface is simultaneously smoothed.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2010Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: MiasoleInventors: Dallas W. Meyer, Jason Stephen Corneille, Steven Thomas Croft, Mulugeta Zerfu Wudu, William James McColl
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Publication number: 20130276855Abstract: An interconnect assembly. The interconnect assembly includes a trace that includes a plurality of electrically conductive portions. The plurality of electrically conductive portions is configured both to collect current from a first solar cell and to interconnect electrically to a second solar cell. In addition, the plurality of electrically conductive portions is configured such that solar-cell efficiency is substantially undiminished in an event that any one of the plurality of electrically conductive portions is conductively impaired.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2013Publication date: October 24, 2013Inventors: Mulugeta Zerfu Wudu, Jason Stephen Corneille, Steven Thomas Croft, Steven Douglas Flanders, William James McColl
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Patent number: 8546172Abstract: Provided herein are methods of polishing, cleaning and texturing back contacts of thin-film solar cells. According to various embodiments, the methods involve irradiating sites on the back contact with laser beams to remove contaminants and/or smooth the surface of the back contact. The back contact, e.g., a molybdenum, copper, or niobium thin-film, is smoothed prior to deposition of the absorber and other thin-films of the photovoltaic stack. In certain embodiments, laser polishing of the back contact is used to enhance the diffusion barrier characteristics of the back contact layer, with all or a surface layer of the back contact becoming essentially amorphous. In certain embodiments, the adhesion of the absorber layer is enhanced by the textured back contact and by the presence of the amorphous metal at the deposition surface.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2010Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignee: MiasoleInventors: Dallas W. Meyer, Jason Stephen Corneille, Steven Thomas Croft, Mulugeta Zerfu Wudu, William James McColl
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Patent number: 8536054Abstract: Provided herein are methods of polishing and texturing surfaces thin-film photovoltaic cell substrates. The methods involve laser irradiation of a surface having a high frequency roughness in an area of 5-200 microns to form a shallow and rapidly expanding melt pool, followed by rapid cooling of the material surface. The minimization of surface tension causes the surface to re-solidify in a locally smooth surface. the high frequency roughness drops over the surface with a lower frequency bump or texture pattern remaining from the re-solidification.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2010Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: MIASOLEInventors: Dallas W. Meyer, Jason Stephen Corneille, Steven Thomas Croft, Mulugeta Zerfu Wudu, William James McColl
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Publication number: 20120031787Abstract: A packaging system for storing and transporting one or more flat panel products, the packaging system comprising a plurality of tines, a method of machine-assisted loading a packaging system comprising a plurality of tines, and a method of storing and transporting one or more flat panel products using a packaging system comprising a plurality of tines with alternating channel depths.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2011Publication date: February 9, 2012Applicant: MIASOLEInventors: William James McColl, Steven Thomas Croft
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Publication number: 20110284052Abstract: Provided are bypass diode assemblies for use in photovoltaic modules. Also provided are methods of fabricating such assemblies and a method of fabricating photovoltaic modules using such assemblies. A diode assembly may include an insulating strip, at least one lead-diode assembly having a diode and two leads, and at least two interconnecting conductors overlapping with and electrically contacting the leads of the lead-diode assembly. The insulating strip supports the lead-diode assembly and conductors and at least partially insulates these components from photovoltaic cells. Specifically, during module fabrication, the interconnecting conductors make electrical connections to the back sides of the cells through cutouts in the insulating strip. The electrical connections may be made to every cell in a row or a subset of selected cells in that row. In certain embodiments, the same interconnecting conductor is connected to two or more cells positioned in adjacent rows.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2011Publication date: November 24, 2011Applicant: MIASOLEInventors: Steven Thomas Croft, Osman Ghandour, Whitfield Gardner Halstead
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Publication number: 20110197947Abstract: Provided are novel interconnect wire network assemblies and methods of fabricating thereof. An assembly may include conductive portions/individual wires that, in certain embodiments, are substantially parallel to each other. The assembly also includes two or more carrier films (i.e., the front side and back side films) attached to opposite sides of the wires. The films are typically attached along the wire ends. The films are made from electrically insulating materials and at least the front side film is substantially transparent. The front side film is used to attach the wires to a photovoltaic surface of one cell, while the back side film is used for attachment to a substrate surface of another cell. These attachments electrically interconnect the two cells in series. In certain embodiments, one or both carrier films extend beyond two end wires and form insulated portions that allow much closer arrangements of the cells in a module.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2011Publication date: August 18, 2011Applicant: MIASOLEInventor: Steven Thomas Croft