Patents by Inventor Venkateswaran Subbaraman
Venkateswaran Subbaraman 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: 11349040Abstract: In embodiments, a photovoltaic cell has an expanded metal article configured as a mesh, a semiconductor material, and a front metallic article. The expanded metal article has a plurality of first segments intersecting a plurality of second segments thereby forming a plurality of openings, and has a plurality of cuts in the mesh. The expanded metal article is electrically coupled to a back surface of the semiconductor material. The front metallic article has a plurality of electroformed elements interconnected to form a unitary, free-standing piece comprising a continuous grid. The continuous grid of the front metallic article is electrically coupled to a front surface of the semiconductor material. The plurality of cuts of the expanded metal article is arranged on the photovoltaic cell to relieve stresses induced by the front metallic article on the front surface of the semiconductor material.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2020Date of Patent: May 31, 2022Assignee: Merlin Solar Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Venkateswaran Subbaraman, Gopal Prabhu, Venkatesan Murali, David Tanner
-
Publication number: 20200295212Abstract: In embodiments, a photovoltaic cell has an expanded metal article configured as a mesh, a semiconductor material, and a front metallic article. The expanded metal article has a plurality of first segments intersecting a plurality of second segments thereby forming a plurality of openings, and has a plurality of cuts in the mesh. The expanded metal article is electrically coupled to a back surface of the semiconductor material. The front metallic article has a plurality of electroformed elements interconnected to form a unitary, free-standing piece comprising a continuous grid. The continuous grid of the front metallic article is electrically coupled to a front surface of the semiconductor material. The plurality of cuts of the expanded metal article is arranged on the photovoltaic cell to relieve stresses induced by the front metallic article on the front surface of the semiconductor material.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2020Publication date: September 17, 2020Applicant: Merlin Solar Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Venkateswaran Subbaraman, Gopal Prabhu, Venkatesan Murali, David Tanner
-
Patent number: 10672927Abstract: Methods include providing an expanded metal article configured as a mesh. The expanded metal article has a plurality of cuts in the mesh and has a surface comprising a plurality of solder pads. A semiconductor material is provided, having a back surface comprising a plurality of silver pads. A front surface of the semiconductor material serves as a light-incident surface of the photovoltaic cell. A front metallic article is provided, the front metallic article comprising a plurality of electroformed elements interconnected to form a unitary, free-standing piece comprising a continuous grid. The continuous grid of the front metallic article is electrically coupled with the front surface of the semiconductor material. The plurality of cuts of the expanded metal article is arranged to relieve stresses induced by the front metallic article on the front surface of the semiconductor material.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2019Date of Patent: June 2, 2020Assignee: Merlin Solar Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Venkateswaran Subbaraman, Gopal Prabhu, Venkatesan Murali, David Tanner
-
Publication number: 20190140125Abstract: Methods include providing an expanded metal article configured as a mesh. The expanded metal article has a plurality of cuts in the mesh and has a surface comprising a plurality of solder pads. A semiconductor material is provided, having a back surface comprising a plurality of silver pads. A front surface of the semiconductor material serves as a light-incident surface of the photovoltaic cell. A front metallic article is provided, the front metallic article comprising a plurality of electroformed elements interconnected to form a unitary, free-standing piece comprising a continuous grid. The continuous grid of the front metallic article is electrically coupled with the front surface of the semiconductor material. The plurality of cuts of the expanded metal article is arranged to relieve stresses induced by the front metallic article on the front surface of the semiconductor material.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2019Publication date: May 9, 2019Applicant: Merlin Solar Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Venkateswaran Subbaraman, Gopal Prabhu, Venkatesan Murali, David Tanner
-
Patent number: 10181542Abstract: A method comprises providing an expanded metal article having a plurality of first segments intersecting a plurality of second segments thereby forming a plurality of openings. The expanded metal article has a surface comprising a plurality of solder pads. A semiconductor material with a top surface and a bottom surface is provided, the bottom surface having a plurality of silver pads and the top surface serving as a light-incident surface of the photovoltaic cell. At a plurality of soldering locations, a majority of the plurality of solder pads on the surface of the expanded metal article is electrically coupled with the plurality of silver pads on the bottom surface of the semiconductor material. Also disclosed is a photovoltaic cell resulting from this method.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2016Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Assignee: Merlin Solar Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Venkateswaran Subbaraman, Gopal Prabhu, Venkatesan Murali, David Tanner
-
Publication number: 20170288081Abstract: A photovoltaic module has a flexible backing substrate, a plurality of photovoltaic cells, and an electrical conduit. The photovoltaic cells are mounted on the backing substrate. Each photovoltaic cell has a metallic article, the metallic article including a plurality of electroformed elements comprising a cell interconnection element integral with a continuous grid having a plurality of first elements intersecting a plurality of second elements. The electroformed elements are interconnected and integral, with the continuous grid in contact with the light-incident surface of the photovoltaic cell. The cell interconnection element extends beyond the light-incident surface and couples the continuous grid to a neighboring photovoltaic cell. The electrical conduit has a flexible strip of electrically conductive material.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2017Publication date: October 5, 2017Applicant: Merlin Solar Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Steve Babayan, Robert Brainard, Arvind Chari, Alejandro de la Fuente Vornbrock, Venkatesan Murali, Gopal Prabhu, Arthur Rudin, Venkateswaran Subbaraman, David Tanner, Dong Xu, Prashant Ramesh, Vishal Chandrashekar
-
Publication number: 20170098728Abstract: A method comprises providing an expanded metal article having a plurality of first segments intersecting a plurality of second segments thereby forming a plurality of openings. The expanded metal article has a surface comprising a plurality of solder pads. A semiconductor material with a top surface and a bottom surface is provided, the bottom surface having a plurality of silver pads and the top surface serving as a light-incident surface of the photovoltaic cell. At a plurality of soldering locations, a majority of the plurality of solder pads on the surface of the expanded metal article is electrically coupled with the plurality of silver pads on the bottom surface of the semiconductor material. Also disclosed is a photovoltaic cell resulting from this method.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2016Publication date: April 6, 2017Applicant: Merlin Solar Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Venkateswaran Subbaraman, Gopal Prabhu, Venkatesan Murali, David Tanner
-
Patent number: 9573214Abstract: A method of applying solder includes providing a first roller and a second roller, where at least one of the first and second rollers has an outer surface comprising a solder wicking material. A metallic article is provided, the metallic article having a first side and a second side, and having an opening extending from the first side to the second side. The metallic article is dipped in solder, where the dipping forms an initial coating of solder on the metallic article. After the dipping, the metallic article is fed between the first and second rollers. The wicking material removes solder from the metallic article, such that a solder thickness of the initial coating on the metallic article is reduced after exiting the first and second rollers.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2014Date of Patent: February 21, 2017Assignee: Merlin Solar Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Alejandro de la Fuente Vornbrock, Venkateswaran Subbaraman
-
Publication number: 20160039032Abstract: A method of applying solder includes providing a first roller and a second roller, where at least one of the first and second rollers has an outer surface comprising a solder wicking material. A metallic article is provided, the metallic article having a first side and a second side, and having an opening extending from the first side to the second side. The metallic article is dipped in solder, where the dipping forms an initial coating of solder on the metallic article. After the dipping, the metallic article is fed between the first and second rollers. The wicking material removes solder from the metallic article, such that a solder thickness of the initial coating on the metallic article is reduced after exiting the first and second rollers.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2014Publication date: February 11, 2016Inventors: Alejandro de la Fuente Vornbrock, Venkateswaran Subbaraman
-
Publication number: 20160027947Abstract: A free-standing metallic article, and method of making, is disclosed in which the metallic article is electroformed on an electrically conductive mandrel. The mandrel has an outer surface with a preformed pattern, wherein at least a portion of the metallic article is formed in the preformed pattern. The metallic article is separated from the electrically conductive mandrel, which forms a free-standing metallic article that may be coupled with the surface of a semiconductor material for a photovoltaic cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2014Publication date: January 28, 2016Inventors: Steve Babayan, Robert Brainard, Arvind Chari, Alejandro de la Fuente Vornbrock, Venkatesan Murali, Gopal Prabhu, Arthur Rudin, Venkateswaran Subbaraman, David Tanner, Dong Xu
-
Patent number: 8940998Abstract: A free-standing metallic article, and method of making, is disclosed in which the metallic article is electroformed on an electrically conductive mandrel. The mandrel has an outer surface with a preformed pattern, wherein at least a portion of the metallic article is formed in the preformed pattern. The metallic article is separated from the electrically conductive mandrel, which forms a free-standing metallic article that may be coupled with the surface of a semiconductor material for a photovoltaic cell.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2013Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Assignee: GTAT CorporationInventors: Steve Babayan, Robert Brainard, Arvind Chari, Alejandro de la Fuente Vornbrock, Venkatesan Murali, Gopal Prabhu, Venkateswaran Subbaraman, Dong Xu, Arthur Rudin, David Tanner
-
Patent number: 8936709Abstract: A free-standing metallic article, and method of making, is disclosed in which the metallic article is electroformed on an electrically conductive mandrel. The metallic article has a plurality of electroformed elements that are configured to serve as an electrical conduit for a photovoltaic cell. A first electroformed element has at least one of: a) a non-uniform width along a first length of the first element, b) a change in conduit direction along the first length of the first element, c) an expansion segment along the first length of the first element, d) a first width that is different from a second width of a second element in the plurality of electroformed elements, e) a first height that is different from a second height of the second element in the plurality of electroformed elements, and f) a top surface that is textured.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2013Date of Patent: January 20, 2015Assignee: GTAT CorporationInventors: Steve Babayan, Robert Brainard, Arvind Chari, Alejandro de la Fuente Vornbrock, Venkatesan Murali, Gopal Prabhu, Arthur Rudin, Venkateswaran Subbaraman, David Tanner, Dong Xu
-
Patent number: 8916038Abstract: A free-standing metallic article, and method of making, is disclosed in which the metallic article is electroformed on an electrically conductive mandrel. The mandrel has an outer surface with a preformed pattern, wherein at least a portion of the metallic article is formed in the preformed pattern. The metallic article is separated from the electrically conductive mandrel, which forms a free-standing metallic article that may be coupled with the surface of a semiconductor material for a photovoltaic cell.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2013Date of Patent: December 23, 2014Assignee: GTAT CorporationInventors: Steve Babayan, Robert Brainard, Arvind Chari, Alejandro de la Fuente Vornbrock, Venkatesan Murali, Gopal Prabhu, Venkateswaran Subbaraman, Dong Xu, Arthur Rudin, David Tanner
-
Publication number: 20140261659Abstract: A free-standing metallic article, and method of making, is disclosed in which the metallic article is electroformed on an electrically conductive mandrel. The mandrel has an outer surface with a preformed pattern, wherein at least a portion of the metallic article is formed in the preformed pattern. The metallic article is separated from the electrically conductive mandrel, which forms a free-standing metallic article that may be coupled with the surface of a semiconductor material for a photovoltaic cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: GTAT CORPORATIONInventors: Steve Babayan, Robert Brainard, Arvind Chari, Alejandro de la Fuente Vornbrock, Venkatesan Murali, Gopal Prabhu, Venkateswaran Subbaraman, Dong Xu, Arthur Rudin, David Tanner
-
Publication number: 20140262793Abstract: A free-standing metallic article, and method of making, is disclosed in which the metallic article is electroformed on an electrically conductive mandrel. The metallic article has a plurality of electroformed elements that are configured to serve as an electrical conduit for a photovoltaic cell. A first electroformed element has at least one of: a) a non-uniform width along a first length of the first element, b) a change in conduit direction along the first length of the first element, c) an expansion segment along the first length of the first element, d) a first width that is different from a second width of a second element in the plurality of electroformed elements, e) a first height that is different from a second height of the second element in the plurality of electroformed elements, and f) a top surface that is textured.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: GTAT CORPORATIONInventors: Steve Babayan, Robert Brainard, Arvind Chari, Alejandro de la Fuente Vornbrock, Venkatesan Murali, Gopal Prabhu, Arthur Rudin, Venkateswaran Subbaraman, David Tanner, Dong Xu
-
Publication number: 20140261654Abstract: A free-standing metallic article, and method of making, is disclosed in which the metallic article is electroformed on an electrically conductive mandrel. The mandrel has an outer surface with a preformed pattern, wherein at least a portion of the metallic article is formed in the preformed pattern. The metallic article is separated from the electrically conductive mandrel, which forms a free-standing metallic article that may be coupled with the surface of a semiconductor material for a photovoltaic cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: GTAT CORPORATIONInventors: Steve Babayan, Robert Brainard, Arvind Chari, Alejandro de la Fuente Vornbrock, Venkatesan Murali, Gopal Prabhu, Venkateswaran Subbaraman, Dong Xu, Arthur Rudin, David Tanner
-
Publication number: 20140261661Abstract: A free-standing metallic article, and method of making, is disclosed in which the metallic article is electroformed on an electrically conductive mandrel. The mandrel has an outer surface layer having a preformed pattern. The outer surface layer has a dielectric region and an exposed metal region. The metallic article has a plurality of electroformed elements that are formed on the exposed metal region of the outer surface layer of the electrically conductive mandrel. A first electroformed element has an overplated portion formed above the outer surface layer of the mandrel. The metallic article is configured to serve as an electrical conduit for a photovoltaic cell, and forms a unitary, free-standing piece when separated from the electrically conductive mandrel.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: GTAT CORPORATIONInventors: Steve Babayan, Robert Brainard, Arvind Chari, Alejandro de la Fuente Vornbrock, Venkatesan Murali, Gopal Prabhu, Arthur Rudin, Venkateswaran Subbaraman, David Tanner, Dong Xu
-
Publication number: 20140048201Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for bonding a thin lamina to a carrier. In some embodiments, a first side of the lamina is separably contacted to a support plate. A first carrier having a first side with a layer of adhesive material is contacted to the second side of the thin lamina. The lamina is fixed to the first carrier, where the fixing includes a first application of heat and pressure to a portion of the lamina and the first carrier. The support plate is removed, and a second application of heat and pressure are applied to the lamina and the first carrier. The second application of heat and pressure promotes an adhesive bond between the lamina and the first carrier. The second application of pressure comprises moving the lamina, the first carrier and a cover sheet between a pair of rollers.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2013Publication date: February 20, 2014Applicant: GTAT CorporationInventors: Venkateswaran Subbaraman, Orion Leland, Steve Peterson, Steve Babayan, Keenan K. Leon Guerrero, Steve Zuniga, Robert Tolles
-
Patent number: 8569096Abstract: A free-standing metallic article, and method of making, is disclosed in which the metallic article is electroformed on an electrically conductive mandrel. The mandrel has an outer surface with a preformed pattern, wherein at least a portion of the metallic article is formed in the preformed pattern. The metallic article is separated from the electrically conductive mandrel, which forms a free-standing metallic article that may be coupled with the surface of a semiconductor material for a photovoltaic cell.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2013Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: GTAT CorporationInventors: Steve Babayan, Robert Brainard, Arvind Chari, Alejandro de la Fuente Vornbrock, Venkatesan Murali, Gopal Prabhu, Venkateswaran Subbaraman, Dong Xu
-
Patent number: 8173473Abstract: An apparatus and method for processing the solar cell substrates is provided. In one embodiment, a laser firing chamber for processing solar cell substrates placed in a carrier, comprising a laser module located at a side of the carrier, the laser module being adapted to generate and direct multiple laser beams over an entire surface of a plurality of solar cell substrates, and a transport adapted to convey the carrier through an outputting region of the laser beams.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2010Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventors: Derek Aqui, Steven M. Zuniga, Venkateswaran Subbaraman, Kirk Liebscher, John Alexander, Zhenhua Zhang, Virendra V. S. Rana