Patents by Inventor Wolfgang Graf

Wolfgang Graf 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: 9000548
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a reflective and/or refractive secondary lens system for focusing sunlight onto semiconductor elements, the secondary lens system being characterized according to the invention by a projection which is disposed around the basic body forming the secondary lens system. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a semiconductor assembly which includes the secondary lens system according to the invention, and also to a method for the production of this semiconductor assembly. In particular, this semiconductor assembly represents a concentrating solar cell module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der Angewandten Forschung E.V.
    Inventors: Joachim Jaus, Andreas Bett, Michael Passig, Gerhard Peharz, Peter Nitz, Wolfgang Graf
  • Publication number: 20140261390
    Abstract: A solar receiver includes a wavelength selective coating comprising a first diffusion barrier layer, a metallic IR reflective layer, a solar absorptive layer, an anti-reflective layer, and/or a hard coat protective layer. Selective absorber coatings, which are characterized by a high solar absorption coefficient and low thermal emission, can be used to convert captured solar radiation into usable heat. In embodiments, more efficient selective coatings are provided that combine relatively high solar absorbance (e.g., greater than about 0.96) with relatively low thermal emittance (e.g., less than about 0.07 at 700° C.), and that are thermally stable above 600° C., for example, in outdoor conditions. The use of such coatings in a solar field may allow for an increase in the operating efficiencies thereof at operating temperatures of about 600° C. or greater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Ophir CHERNIN, Christina HILDEBRANDT, Andreas GEORG, Thomas KROYER, Wolfgang GRAF
  • Patent number: 8354165
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a coating material containing (a) first oxidic particles formed by hydrolytic condensation, in a size range of 5-20 nm, (b) second particles with a diameter in the size range of 80-300 nm, (c) a first aqueous solvent in which the source material for the oxidic particles formed by hydrolytic condensation can be dissolved and which allows or promotes the hydrolysis and condensation thereof, and (d) at least one second solvent, selected among specifically defined alcohols, ethers, organic acids, esters, ketones, amines and amic acids and mixtures thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Walther Glaubitt, Wolfgang Graf, Andreas Gombert
  • Patent number: 8318329
    Abstract: The radiation-selective absorber coating (20) has two barrier layers (24a, 24b), an IR-reflecting layer (21) arranged thereon, an absorption layer (22) arranged above the IR-reflecting (21) and an antireflection layer (23) over the absorption layer (22). The absorber tube (13) is a steel tube (1) with the radiation-selective absorber coating (20) applied to the outside thereof. In the process of coating the absorber tube (13) a first oxide barrier layer (24a) is applied to a steel tube by thermal oxidation; a second barrier layer (24b) is then applied by physical gas phase deposition of silicon with supply of oxygen; the IR-reflecting layer (21) is then applied by gas phase deposition of gold, silver, platinum or copper; the absorption layer (22) is then applied by deposition of aluminum and molybdenum; and a final antireflection layer (23) is applied by deposition of silicon with supply of oxygen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Schott AG
    Inventors: Kamel Silmy, Jan Schulte-Fischedick, Thomas Kuckelkorn, Christina Hildebrandt, Wolfgang Graf, Andreas Georg
  • Publication number: 20110129662
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a coating material containing (a) first oxidic particles formed by hydrolytic condensation, in a size range of 5-20 nm, (b) second particles with a diameter in the size range of 80-300 nm, (c) a first aqueous solvent in which the source material for the oxidic particles formed by hydrolytic condensation can be dissolved and which allows or promotes the hydrolysis and condensation thereof, and (d) at least one second solvent, selected among specifically defined alcohols, ethers, organic acids, esters, ketones, amines and amic acids and mixtures thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2008
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Walther Glaubitt, Wolfgang Graf, Andreas Gombert
  • Publication number: 20110127546
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a reflective and/or refractive secondary lens system for focusing sunlight onto semiconductor elements, the secondary lens system being characterised according to the invention by a projection which is disposed around the basic body forming the secondary lens system. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a semiconductor assembly which includes the secondary lens system according to the invention, and also to a method for the production of this semiconductor assembly. In particular, this semiconductor assembly represents a concentrating solar cell module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: FRAUNHOFER-GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FOERDERLING DERANGEWAN FORSCHUNG E.V.
    Inventors: Joachim Jaus, Andreas Bett, Michael Passig, Gerhard Peharz, Peter Nitz, Wolfgang Graf
  • Patent number: 7909029
    Abstract: The radiation selective absorber coating of the invention includes two or more barrier layers arranged over each other on a substrate surface, an infrared-range reflective layer arranged on the two or more barrier layers, and at least an absorption layer arranged over the infrared-range reflective layer and a final antireflection layer arranged over the absorption layer. The absorber pipe, especially for a parabolic trough collector, is a steel pipe, on whose outer side the radiation selective absorber coating is applied. In the method of making the absorber pipe a first oxide barrier layer is provided on the outer side of the steel pipe by thermal oxidation, and then a second barrier layer, an infrared-range reflective layer, an absorption layer and a final antireflection layer are applied by gas-phase physical deposition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Schott AG
    Inventors: Thomas Kuckelkorn, Wolfgang Graf, Christina Hildebrandt, Andreas Georg
  • Patent number: 7793653
    Abstract: The absorber pipe for solar thermal applications consists of a metal pipe and a radiation-selective absorber coating applied to the outer surface of the metal pipe. The radiation-selective absorber coating consists of, in sequence from the outer surface toward an exterior: a diffusion barrier layer, a metallic reflective layer a cermet layer, and an anti-reflective layer. The diffusion barrier layer is an oxide layer on the outer surface of the preferably steel or stainless steel pipe which is formed by an oxidation process during tempering and which includes oxidized components of the metal pipe. The tempering is preferably performed in air in an oven at a temperature of 400 to 600° C. for 0.5 to 2 hours.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Schott AG
    Inventors: Thomas Kuckelkorn, Wolfgang Graf
  • Patent number: 7774997
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system (1) comprising a glazing element (2) and a gas supply device (4), whereby the glazing element (2) has at least two substrates (18, 19), which enclose a space (3), and at least one gas of a defined composition located inside the space (3). A coating whose physical properties, in particular, optical and/or electrical properties, which can be altered according to the composition of the gas, is at least applied to one of the surfaces of a substrate (18, 19), said surfaces facing the space (3). The gas supply device (4) has at least one electrolysis device that has a working electrode (9), a counter electrode (10) and at least one electrolyte (17) for producing gas. The glazing element (2) and the gas supply device (4) are connected to one another whereby enabling the gas inside a closed circuit (6) to be guided between the glazing element (2) and the gas supply device (4). In addition, means for influencing the moisture content of the gas are placed inside the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Interpane Entwicklungs-und Beratungsgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Graf, Rainer Rox
  • Publication number: 20090208761
    Abstract: The radiation-selective absorber coating (20) has two barrier layers (24a, 24b), an IR-reflecting layer (21) arranged thereon, an absorption layer (22) arranged above the IR-reflecting (21) and an antireflection layer (23) over the absorption layer (22). The absorber tube (13) is a steel tube (1) with the radiation-selective absorber coating (20) applied to the outside thereof. In the process of coating the absorber tube (13) a first oxide barrier layer (24a) is applied to a steel tube by thermal oxidation; a second barrier layer (24b) is then applied by physical gas phase deposition of silicon with supply of oxygen; the IR-reflecting layer (21) is then applied by gas phase deposition of gold, silver, platinum or copper; the absorption layer (22) is then applied by deposition of aluminium and molybdenum; and a final antireflection layer (23) is applied by deposition of silicon with supply of oxygen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventors: Kamel SILMY, Jan SCHULTE-FISCHEDICK, Thomas KUCKELKORN, Christina HILDEBRANDT, Wolfgang GRAF, Andreas GEORG
  • Publication number: 20080121225
    Abstract: The radiation selective absorber coating of the invention includes two or more barrier layers arranged over each other on a substrate surface, an infrared-range reflective layer arranged on the two or more barrier layers, and at least an absorption layer arranged over the infrared-range reflective layer and a final antireflection layer arranged over the absorption layer. The absorber pipe, especially for a parabolic trough collector, is a steel pipe, on whose outer side the radiation selective absorber coating is applied. In the method of making the absorber pipe a first oxide barrier layer is provided on the outer side of the steel pipe by thermal oxidation, and then a second barrier layer, an infrared-range reflective layer, an absorption layer and a final antireflection layer are applied by gas-phase physical deposition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventors: Thomas Kuckelkorn, Wolfgang Graf, Christina Hildebrandt, Andreas Georg
  • Publication number: 20050254130
    Abstract: Described is a device for guiding light consisting of at least one partially translucent surface material, with a surface upper side, which has optically active surface structures for guiding and/or scattering light, as well as an optically switchable coating provided at least in partial areas of the surface structures, or at least two directly or indirectly opposing surface upper sides, of which one exhibits optically active surface structures for guiding and/or scattering light, and the other provides an optically switchable coating that covers at least parts of the surface upper side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Publication date: November 17, 2005
    Inventors: Wolfgang Graf, Andreas Georg, Peter NItz, Christopher Buhler, Andreas Gombert, Volker Wittwer
  • Publication number: 20050189525
    Abstract: An absorber with a radiation-selective absorber coating is described, which includes a metal substrate, a diffusion-blocking layer, a metallic reflective layer, a cermet layer and an anti-reflective layer. The diffusion-blocking layer is an oxide layer, which includes oxidized components of the metal substrate. The method for making this sort of absorber includes tempering the surface of the substrate, on which the absorber coating is provided, in air in an oven at a temperature of 400 to 600° C. for 0.5 to 2 hours.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Publication date: September 1, 2005
    Inventors: Thomas Kuckelkorn, Wolfgang Graf
  • Publication number: 20040206024
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system (1) comprising a glazing element (2) and a gas supply device (4), whereby the glazing element (2) has at least two substrates (18, 19), which enclose a space (3), and at least one gas of a defined composition located inside the space (3). A coating whose physical properties, in particular, optical and/or electrical properties, which can be altered according to the composition of the gas, is at least applied to one of the surfaces of a substrate (18, 19), said surfaces facing the space (3). The gas supply device (4) has at least one electrolysis device that has a working electrode (9), a counter electrode (10) and at least one electrolyte (17) for producing gas. The glazing element (2) and the gas supply device (4) are connected to one another whereby enabling the gas inside a closed circuit (6) to be guided between the glazing element (2) and the gas supply device (4). In addition, means for influencing the moisture content of the gas are placed inside the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventors: Wolfgang Graf, Rainer Rox
  • Patent number: 6496295
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a glazing element for facing building facades or window systems, in particular for motor vehicles, trains or aircraft, having at least two panes, which enclose an intermediate space, and on one pane surface facing said intermediate space a coating buildup is provided, having an electrically conductive layer applied to one pane surface, thereupon an electrochromic, and thereupon an ion-conducting and thereupon an electrocatalytic layer. The invention is distinguished by the fact that, in addition to the coating buildup in the intermediate space, which is free of water, solely a reducing or oxidizing gas or gas mixture comprising a reducing or an oxidizing gas or a gas mixture comprising a reducing or an oxidizing gas and an inert gas is provided and that an electric voltage of less than 1.2 volts between the electrically conductive and the electrocatalytic layer is applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Fraunhofer Gesellschaft zur Forderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Volker Wittwer, Andreas Georg, Wolfgang Graf
  • Patent number: 5864994
    Abstract: A glazing element, in particular, for facing building facades, having two nes enclosing a gaseous atmospheric intermediate space and having a predetermined layer on at least one pane surface facing the intermediate space. The glazing element is distinguished by the fact that the predetermined layer has a reactive layer applied on one pane and a catalytic layer applied on the reactive layer. The catalytic layer, depending on the composition of the gas atmosphere contained between the panes, activates in the reactive layer. The reaction changes the optical and/or electrical properties of the reactive layer, and varies the composition of the gas atmosphere in the intermediate space, thereby making the electrical and/or optical properties of the reactive layer variable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Fraunhofer Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Wolfgang Graf, Andreas Georg, Volker Wittwer, Michael Koehl, Franz Brucker, Andreas Gombert, Ludwig Thomas