Abstract: A transfer device for holding an object comprises: i) a housing; ii) at least one inlet conduit having an inlet for gas; iii) a plurality of sets of outlet conduits, each set of outlet conduits being in fluid communication with the at least one inlet conduit and having a plurality of outlets for directing the gas out of the outlet conduits. The respective outlets of the sets of outlet conduits are arranged in a direction along the housing surface and away from a center region relative to the respective sets of outlet conduits, so that a laminar gas flow that flows along the housing surface generates a pressure differential which creates a force towards the center region to hold the object against the housing surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring a solar wafer or cell is disclosed, which comprises: i) a rotary motor; ii) a gripper for holding the solar wafer or cell; and a rotary arm connected between the rotary motor and the gripper, the rotary arm being drivable by the rotary motor in a first rotary direction through a transfer angle for transferring the solar wafer or cell between different positions. In particular, the apparatus further comprises an angle-compensating device configured to drive the gripper through a same transfer angle as the rotary arm in a second rotary direction opposite to the first rotary direction, to ensure that an angular orientation of the solar wafer or cell remains constant during rotation of the rotary arm.

Abstract: Disclosed is a transfer device for holding an object. The transfer device comprises: i) a housing having a housing surface; ii) at least one inlet conduit having an inlet for introducing a gas into the at least one inlet conduit; iii) a plurality of sets of outlet conduits, each set of outlet conduits being in fluid communication with the at least one inlet conduit and having a plurality of outlets for directing the gas out of the outlet conduits. In particular, the respective outlets of the sets of outlet conduits are arranged in a direction along the housing surface and away from a centre region relative to the respective sets of outlet conduits, so that a laminar gas flow that is flows along the housing surface generates a pressure differential which creates a force towards the centre region to hold the object against the housing surface. A gang picker is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for electrically interconnecting a plurality of solar cells. The apparatus comprises: i) a roller operative to roll along a solar cell to press an electrical conductor against an electrical contact of the solar cell, the electrical conductor being for electrically interconnecting the solar cell with one or more other solar cells; and ii) a heat-generating device arranged and configured to provide heat for soldering the electrical conductor to the electrical contact of the solar cell while the roller is pressing the electrical conductor against the electrical contact of the solar cell. A method of electrically interconnecting a plurality of solar cells, and a mechanism for laying and soldering an electrical conductor onto a solar cell, are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring a solar wafer or cell is disclosed, which comprises: i) a rotary motor; ii) a gripper for holding the solar wafer or cell; and a rotary arm connected between the rotary motor and the gripper, the rotary arm being drivable by the rotary motor in a first rotary direction through a transfer angle for transferring the solar wafer or cell between different positions. In particular, the apparatus further comprises an angle-compensating device configured to drive the gripper through a same transfer angle as the rotary arm in a second rotary direction opposite to the first rotary direction, to ensure that an angular orientation of the solar wafer or cell remains constant during rotation of the rotary arm.

Abstract: Disclosed is a belt conveyor, which conveys solar wafers during fabrication, comprising: i) a plurality of endless metal strips for supporting the solar wafers; ii) a plurality of rotatable pulleys configured to receive the plurality of endless metal strips, and which rotate to convey each of the plurality of endless metal strips along a continuous path to thereby convey the solar wafers; and iii) an inspection device configured to inspect the solar wafers while the solar wafers are being conveyed by the plurality of endless metal strips.